Health hazard identification material safety data sheets

See also Chemical Hazard Communication and Material Safety Data Sheets Environmental Protection Agency, US Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association Hazard Identification Hazardous Waste Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published a criteria document in 1974, which recommended a standard to OSHA. The document entitled A Recommended Standard. .. An Identification System for Occupationally Hazardous Materials, included provisions for labels and material safety data sheets. 

To recognize occupational factors or stresses, a health and safety professional must first know about the chemicals used as raw materials and the nature of the products and by-products manufactured. This sometimes requires great effort. The required information can be obtained from the material safety data sheet (MSDS), which must be supplied by the chanical manufacturer or importer to the purchaser for all hazardous materials under the hazard conununication standard. The MSDS is a summary of the important health, safety, and toxicological information on the chanical or the mixture ingredients. Other stipulations of the hazard communication standard require that all containers of hazardous substances in the workplace be labeled with appropriate warning and identification labels. If the MSDS or the label does not give complete information but only trade names, it may be necessary to contact the mannfacturer of the chemicals to obtain this information. 

The data sheets are prepared and supplied by over 500 producers or distributors and contain product identification information, manufacturer and/or supplier address and emergency contact information, company disclaimers, issue or re-issue date, and the material safety data sheet (MSDS). The MSDS s usually contain information on chemical and physical properties, health, fire and reactivity hazards, environmental and regulatory requirements, spill and disposal procedures, first aid recommendations, and information on storage, handling and personal protective equipment. 

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