Complying with safety laws is one of the most important issues for a business, and breaches of the host of laws that fall under this broad spectrum can be sufficiently serious to put a company out of business and to place directors or owners into prison. No longer can businesses make their own judgments as to what is safe or not, what chemical they can store in this container or that, the law will make those stipulations for them.
What is MSDS?
It is a particular sheet that records material safety data that allows for the breakdown and definition of a particular substance. Its purpose is to analyse the various chemicals that are present in a substance so that it can be seen how the substance needs to be handled under Health and Safety laws and in particular the Dangerous Substances laws. When placing nominated substances in the market place there are regulations that determine how the constituents to these substances must be detailed. The risks and hazards that are connected to the substances must be clearly stated on labeling and this will be drawn from the MSDS. It does not matter whether it is a single substance or a combination the same rules of classification apply.
MSDS headings
The MSDS will contain 16 different headings and each line must be completed even if the comment is not applicable. No box may be left unticked, so to speak.
Amongst the headings are:
* Identification of the hazard risk
* Identification of the Substance/Preparation &name of the company.
* First Aid measures
* Directions on how to handle and store the substances
* Chemical and physical properties
These are prime areas that will be on the MSDS but others are included so as to limit the risks of the substance.
Transport
Tankers are often seen carrying these substances in bulk and the vehicle will carry a hazard warning sign so that in the case of an accident the fire brigade will know how to treat any leakage. The MSDS will have defined the information required on the hazard warning sign.
With MSDS advice and guidance available from llewellyneurope.com you can ensure that your material safety data sheet is up to date and correct; with services available at competitive prices.