Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is developed by chemical manufacturers to provide information to users on the physical and health hazards of their product. MSDSs are a component of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard which states that workers have a right to know what hazards are associated with the chemicals they use in the workplace. They are also a requirement under OSHA's Laboratory Standard.
Every person who works with hazardous materials at Wellesley College should:
- be aware of what a MSDS is and it's relevance to your health & safety.
- be aware of how to access MSDS's for your work area/laboratory.
- maintain MSDS's that are received with incoming chemical shipments and have them readily available for employees/students. Electronic access is also acceptable. See list below of MSDS sites.
Information contained on a MSDS includes:
- Physical and chemical characteristics
- Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
- Reactivity Data
- Health Hazard Data
- Precautions for safe handling and use
- Control Measures
- Storage
- Spill and leak procedures
Example MSDS here for Acetone from Fisher Scientific
New: Global Harmonized Communication System - Labelling Info from MSDS online
- Access MSDSs here (contact EHS for user name and password)
Other MSDS Sites:
Cornell University EHS Office Internet MSDS Sites
Science Lab - list of MSDS for over 4000 commonly used chemicals.
Hands-on Science Project MSDS
International Chemical Safety Cards
Louisiana State University CAMD MSDS Database
Other Resources:
Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety - General Info on MSDSs
Indiana University - Office of EHS Management's Laboratory MSDS Management
Oklahoma State University's Information on MSDSs
