What is the Full Form of MSDS

MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet

MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet. It is a sheet which helps keep or maintain safety.

What is MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet?

Many substances that we come across in our daily lives are not purely safe. We use detergents, herbicides, paints, pesticides, shampoo and other such products comprising various synthetic chemicals. There are many such chemicals which are absolutely safe to handle. Additionally, there are some which are not sure about safety, and some are such chemicals which have scientifically proven risks. However, just because something isn't safe for long-term use doesn't mean it should be kept in an illicit state. Such goods are kept in usage, as the risks are comparatively low when used in moderation. But how to know about such products? Hence, for the suitability and information of all the concerned substances and their risk, the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is made and utilized.

A Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS is a document which gives us all the safety guidelines or important pointers while using or working on any particular substance. The sheet contains information such as boiling points, toxicities, reactivity information, and various numbers, which in short, is known as technical information. It also hosts the necessary extreme information about the substances, including disposal strategy, first aid guidance, how to handle them if in contact with open skin, storage, and the protective equipment to be used, if any. The content of the Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS depends and varies country by country.

What are the uses of MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheets?

The MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet has two main purposes. They are as follows:

1. Giving information to the worker
2. Providing assistance in emergency services

The main focus of an MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet is to guard the health of workers. It focuses mainly on working areas and is often a legal necessity or a duty to give and make the workers aware of this information. It is mandatory as the workers might have no idea to deal with the emergency situation or the hazards they might be facing. The workers have rights to safety and security; hence, MSDS has its own importance in working sectors. So, Material Safety Data Sheet is provided with the information and all the details about the harmful substance coming in close or regular contact.

A material Safety Data Sheet is also necessary to get access to Emergency services. For example, if a building is on fire, then the fire extinguishers need to have information about the possibility of the chemicals present in the building and about their properties and reaction with the fire extinguishing material. Hence the local and state emergency planning offices are legally needed to have such MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet. Doctors, engineers, environment impact analyzers, firefighters, occupational hygienists, and safety officers need the Material Safety Data Sheet very much to act accordingly in emergency services.

Do I need a Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS?

A person must have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which is particular to every certain goods type or material that he/she is dealing with directly or indirectly while working. It should be noted that the name of the product and supplier on the MSDS must match the material in use.

What information is on the MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet?

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must carry at least eight categories of information.

These categories are as follows:

1. Information about the product: Name of the product identifier, manufacturer, and supplier and phone numbers (emergency contact numbers)
2. Physical data
3. Hazard data on fire or explosion
4. Data on reactivity
5. Data on toxicity
6. Preventive measures
7. First aid measure
8. Information about preparation

Can the MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet be too old?

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of any product should be less than three years old. If one has a material safety data sheet for a product that is more than three years old, one should ask the supplier for the latest version.

How often should an MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet be updated?

It is recommended that as soon as any new and significant information is available, even before the three years period, then there is a need for the supplier to change the label and MSDS.