By Patrick Metts
In the world of hazardous materials people rely on precise information to tell them exactly what they are dealing with when they are handling chemicals. However, where they get their information from? Although, various sources of this information may be available, emergency responders working with hazmats commonly rely on Material Safety Data Sheets or better known as MSDSs. The MSDS contains the type of information that can protect workers and responders from being injured from a particular hazmat. When used correctly, an MSDS could save someone's life.
In the U.S., the principal agency responsible for mandating the use of MSDSs is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or better known as OSHA through its Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. The standard was developed to ensure that everyone who works around hazardous chemicals understands their specific hazards, and has information, knowledge, and equipment to prevent safety and health problems. Workers are trained in how to recognize and understand chemical labels and the MSDS, and about safety procedures to follow when working with hazardous materials
Another agency that requires emergency response information for hazardous chemicals is the U.S. Department of Transportation. DOT's hazardous materials regulations require shippers to provide emergency response information with shipments of hazardous materials. Most shippers use the MSDS to comply with this requirement because it includes the required information.
Employees who work with hazmats use the MSDS to identify the proper method of storage handling and transport of that particular chemical. Emergency personnel responding to a hazmat incident will rely on the MSDS to alert them to what type protective clothing they may need to use to handle the incident. When arriving on scene to the incident, whether a spill or an overturned tanker, emergency responders will look for the MSDS to determine how best to handle the incident.
In the example of a leaking drum at a fixed facility, the MSDS itself should be found on the drum itself, in an MSDS book nearby. On the tanker, the MSDS should be located in the door on the driver of the cab. In both instances, it is in arms length of the person responsible for the handling or transporting the hazmat.
However, in hazardous materials incident, would you know what a typical MSDS looks like? Table 1 is an example of what you would commonly see on the first few pages of an MSDS. The MSDS will also go into further detail as to what type medical treatment to use if a person is exposed to that particular chemical. In addition, it provides the correct methods of fighting fires that involved the chemical. An MSDS provides spillage, handling, storage information and even the chemical and physical properties of the substance. Although there is no one MSS format, in an MSDS you will find specific information about a chemical.
| Table 1. Example of information you can find in an MSDS |
|---|
CUMENE
MSDS Number:
C5753 --- Effective Date: 12/08/96
1.
Product Identification
Synonyms:
Benzene, (1-methylethyl)-; cumene 99%; cumol; iso-propyl benzene; 2-phenyl
propane. 2.
Composition/Information on Ingredients
Ingredient CAS No Percent Hazardous
Cumene 98-82-8 90 - 100
3.
Hazards Identification
Emergency Overview |
More information
Upcoming newsletter issue: MSDS Part 2
OSHA Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazcom)
DOT Regulation: 49 CFR 172.600 (Emergency response information)
About the Author
Patrick Metts has diverse experience and training in hazardous operations and emergency management.