What is Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and Where can we get it

An MSDS is a document containing important information about a hazardous chemical (which may be hazardous substance and/or dangerous goods) and must state:

• a hazardous substance's product name
• the chemical and generic name of certain ingredients
• the chemical and physical properties of the hazardous substance
• health hazard information
• precautions for safe use and handling
• the manufacturer's or importer's name, Australian address and telephone number.

The MSDS provides employers, self-employed persons, workers and other health and safety representatives with the necessary information to safely manage the risk from hazardous substance exposure.

It is important that everyone in the workplace knows how to read and interpret a MSDS.

Access to MSDS

Access to a MSDS can be provided in several ways including:

• paper and microfiche copy collections of MSDS with microfiche readers open to use by all workers
• computerised and internet MSDS databases.

The register of MSDS should be used as an information tool to make sure everyone is involved in managing hazardous substances exposure at the workplace.

A MSDS should be reviewed whenever there is:

• a change in formulation which:
  
  • affects the hazardous properties of the substance
  • alters the form, appearance or mode of application of the substance
• a change to the hazardous substance which alters its health and/or safety hazard or risk
• new health and/or safety information on the hazardous substance such as exposure standard changes or a substance previously considered not harmful is now established to be harmful (e.g. carcinogenic
• at least every five years.

In respect of MSDS and labels, employers and self-employed persons must:

• Obtain an MSDS of a hazardous substance from the supplier.
• Keep a register containing a list of all hazardous substances used at the workplace and put a copy of any MSDS obtained in the register.
• Take reasonable steps to ensure the MSDS is not changed other than by the manufacturer or importer.
• Keep the MSDS close to where the substance is being used.
• Ensure a label is fixed to a hazardous substance container.
• Ensure warnings are given about enclosed systems containing hazardous substances.

Retailers are not required to distribute MSDSs. However, if a hazardous substance is purchased from a retailer, and the substance is for use at a workplace, an MSDS can be requested from another supplier of the hazardous substance such as the manufacturer or importer.

In certain circumstances a supplier must provide copies of the MSDS to the workplace and fix a label to the containers of all classified hazardous substances because the substances:

• are on the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) List of Designated Hazardous Substances
• on the designated list and are contained in a substance above a certain concentration
• meet the Approved Criteria (because of health effects).

More information about MSDS is provided in Section 1 of the Hazardous Substances Advisory Standard 2003 (now known as a Code of Practice) .

The format and content for a MSDS used in Australia is set out in the 'National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances'.

Employers can also ask the supplier of a hazardous substance for a 'National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) summary report' which provides more detailed advice about health hazards and control measures.

Labelling and decanting

Suppliers, employers and self-employed persons have specific labelling obligations for all hazardous substances containers in the workplace.

What is on the label?

The label must be in English and contain the following:

• name of the product
• risk and safety phrases - as stated in NOHSC's document entitled 'National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances' that gives information about the substance's or lead's hazards
• dangerous goods information - as stated in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code
• chemical names of particularly hazardous ingredients
• chemical or generic names of certain other ingredients.

If the manufacturer has amended a MSDS, the label should be changed to ensure that it is consistent with the information in the amended MSDS.

Containers of decanted hazardous substances at the workplace must be labelled with the product name and basic health and safety information (risk and safety phrases) from the supplier's label.

 Where can I get MSDS's?

There are several places you can get them Your laboratory or workplace should have a collection of MSDS that came with the hazardous chemicals you have ordered (don't throw them away!) Most universities and businesses have a collection somewhere on site. Check with your Environmental or Occupational Health Office or science librarian. Some organizations use commercial services to obtain printed, FAX or on-line copies of MSDS's. You can get them from the distributor that sold you the material. If you can't find them then contact the manufacturer's customer service department. (Read this section about "downstream flow" of MSDS information) The Internet has a wide range of free resources. A handy list of 100 such sites is on our #1-ranked Where to Find MSDS's on the Internet page You can purchase software or internet subsciption services. Books such as the Merck Index and Prudent Practices in the Laboratory are not acceptable substitutes for MSDS's, but these can give practical information on toxicity, physical properties and incompatibles.