(see also:
Glossary of Terms
Found in MSDS's)
How to read a Hach MSDS
and why it's important.
(You can now download MSDSs
directly from the Hach site!)
What is a Material
Safety Data Sheet?
What to look for
in an MSDS
Downloading
MSDSs
References
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet?
The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all manufacturers to issue Material Safety Data Sheets (also known as MSDS's) with the first shipment of any hazardous chemical product. Hach Company issues MSDS's for all chemical shipments, from toxic mercuric acid to substances as benign as sodium chloride (salt). The purpose of the MSDS is to relay important information about the nature of the chemical -- such as its flammability, toxicity, the need for protective equipment, and spill or clean-up requirements -- to ensure the safety of any potential user of that chemical.
At first glance, the MSDS can seem like an
intimidating piece of information. But the information is not that difficult to understand
when broken into its component parts.
And it is a very important document to read and follow.
When you receive a reagent shipment from Hach, we recommend that you:
- Read the MSDS carefully
- Discuss the cautions specified on the MSDS with your students
- Utilize necessary protective equipment
- Dispose of the reagent properly (see the MSDS for disposal information)
- Keep file copies of MSDS's in a central location accessible to all.
What is a Material
Safety Data Sheet?
What to look for
in an MSDS
Downloading
MSDSs
References
Return to top
What to look for in an MSDS (Q&A)
- Where do I find an overall summary of the product and
emergency phone numbers?
The chemical product and company identification section provides an overall product summary, including manufacturer address, MSDS date, emergency phone numbers, and a brief description of any hazard.
- What is it made of?
The composition and ingredients section spells out the following information about each component of the product:
PCT Percent by weight of this component
CAS Number Chemical Abstract Services or CAS registry number
SARA Superfund and Reauthorization Act -- better known as the "Community Right to Know Law." If an MSDS indicates that a component is listed in SARA 313 and more than the specified amount is used, it must be reported to the USEPA every year.
TLV Threshold Limit Value (TLV) is the maximum airborne concentration allowable for an 8-hour exposure, as recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
PEL Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is the maximum airborne concentration allowable for an 8-hour exposure, as regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
HAZARD Any physical or health hazards posed by this chemical are explained here.
- What are the hazards of using this product?
The hazards identification summary starts out with an emergency overview, plus ratings of the product from the Hazardous Materials Information System and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This section also outlines the potential harmful effects of this product.
- How do I administer first aid in the event of
exposure?
The First Aid section spells out the medical attention required in the event of an exposure. Be sure to read this section carefully!
- What do I do in the event of a fire?
The fire fighting measures section lists all of the flammability concerns, what media to use to extinguish a fire, and what safety precautions to take, should you be put in a position to fight a fire.
- What happens if it spills?
The accidental release measures section spells out the personnel who are qualified to respond to an emergency involving hazardous substances and outlines containment techniques, clean-up techniques, and any necessary evacuation procedures.
- What are the handling and storage requirements?
The handling/storage section provides general guidelines for safe handling of the product and lists all storage requirements.
- What protective measures do I need to take in the work
environment?
The exposure controls/protective equipment section outlines safe laboratory practice (e.g. eyewash station nearby) and any necessary protective gear, such as eye, skin, and inhalation protection.
- What does it look/act like?
The physical/chemical properties section spells out information such as the physical state, color, odor, solubility, boiling point, melting point, specific gravity, pH, vapor density, evaporation rate, corrosivity, stability, and storage precautions.
- How stable is this product and what storage
precautions need to be taken?
The stability/reactivity section spells out storage conditions, including moisture and temperature requirements and compatibility with substances stored nearby.
- How did this product perform in clinical trials?
The toxicological information section summarizes data gathered from research with animals, including lethal dosages and concentrations, effects on reproduction, skin toxicity data, and mutation data.
- What is the ecological impact of this product?
The ecological information section assesses the material's environmental impact on aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals and the potential of the material to persist in the environment.
- How do I safely (and legally) dispose of this product?
The disposal considerations section outlines any dilution guidelines, container information, and national environmental regulations that may or may not be reinforced by regional or local entities.
- What are the shipping requirements?
The transportation information section spells out proper shipping name, hazard class, ID number, and packing group for all chemicals regulated by D.O.T., I.C.A.O., and I.M.O.
- How is this product regulated?
The regulatory information section outlines all known regulatory guidelines spelled out by OSHA, SARA Title III, the Clean Water Act, RCRA, and any known state regulations.
- What is the intended use of this product and how was
this MSDS compiled?
The other information section states the product's intended use and lists all reference materials used to write the MSDS.
What is a Material
Safety Data Sheet?
What to look for
in an MSDS
Downloading
MSDSs
References
Return to top
Downloading MSDSs
If you have a Hach Catalog Number for your product, you can download the most up-to-date MSDS directly from us as a PDF file, which can be viewed and printed, or stored electronically.
Hach MSDS
Download.
(http://app.hach.com/msdsweb/customer_msds_request.asp
You can find complete information about what you'll
need on our
MSDS download information page on the main hach.com site.
What is a Material
Safety Data Sheet?
What to look for
in an MSDS
Downloading
MSDSs
References
Return to top
References
"Code of Federal Regulations," 29CFR 1910.
"Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials," National Fire Protection Association, 442 pp., 1984, 8th Edition.
"Hazardous Materials Identification System Implementation Manual," National Paint and Coatings Association.
"Material Safety Data sheets," U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, 1977.
"MSDS Pocket Dictionary," Genium Publishing Corporation, Schenectady, NY, 1992.
"Portland State University Hazardous Communication Technical Manual," Portland, OR, 1997.
"Preparing, Understanding, and Using Material Safety Data Sheets," Lab Safety Supply, 1988.
"Right to Know Pocket Guide for Laboratory Employees," Genium Publishing Corporation, Schenectady, NY, 1992
(Note: Check your local, state, and federal laws for any changes in MSDS requirements.)