Material safety data sheet [MSDS] certification services

Courtesy: Material safety data sheet [MSDS] certification services

This section describes:
 The harmful effects of exposure
 How the product is likely to enter the body and what effects it has on the
organs in the body
 The short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) health effects from exposure
to the product
 The exposure limits, which indicates the maximum concentration in air of a
hazardous substance (gas, vapour, dust, mist, fume) to which nearly all
workers (without personal protective equipment) can be repeatedly exposed
without adverse health effects. Exposure limits are expressed in three ways:
o TWA (time weighted average) indicating the maximum average
concentration to which workers can safety be exposed for a normal 8-
hour workday or 48-hour workweek
o STEL (short-term exposure limit) indicating the maximum concentration to
which workers can safely be exposed for a period of up to 15 minutes.
The STEL is higher than the TWA. It may not be sustained more than four
times a day
o C (ceiling) describes the concentration that may not be safely exceeded
at any time, even for an instant. The C is higher that the STEL
 If these limits are to be exceeded, the worker must use recommended
personal protective equipment. Exposure limits are expressed as ppm for
gases and vapours and as mg/m3
for dusts, fumes and mists
 Note these limits may be expressed as OEL, PEL and TLV
 Information used to assess the health problems of any employee who uses
the chemical and determine if that worker’s problems are related to the
chemical

This section provides:
 Instruction for the safe use, handling and storage of the product
 The personal protective equipment or safety devices required
 The steps for cleaning up spills
 Information on the waste disposal requirements
First Aid Measures:
This section describes:
 Specific first aid measures related to acute effects of exposure to the product
 First aid steps in the correct sequence
 Information to assist in planning for emergencies
The MSDS may contain additional sections providing further information related to the
specific product.
Location of the MSDSs
 Hard copy readily available
 Computer terminals
 Employees and others must know where the MSDS is and how to use them

MSDS revisions are required every 3 years or sooner if new product information is
available.
Trade Secret Exemptions
Information may be withheld to protect industries’ right to protect confidential business
information. This information is referred to as trade secrets.
The producer of the product can withhold:
 The name and concentration of any ingredient
 Name of relevant toxicological studies
Once a claim if filed to withhold information the product label must state:
 Date the exemption filed
 Claim registration number
The MSDS must state:
 That an exemption has been granted
 Date it is granted
 Registry number
 Product hazards
Medical Access
Doctors and nurses can access withheld information however this information remains
confidentia