MSDSs materials incident

Initial detection and identification of the nature of materials used in a deliberate release situation are much more difficult than at the scene of a "normal" hazardous materials incident. Responders to a "normal" incident can usually uncover some form of posted warning (e.g., 704M diamond, transportation placards) or documentation (e.g., manifests, MSDSs) on the material. At a deliberate release, however, it is highly unlikely that there will be any precautionary information upon which responders can base their actions. 

Don t Panic Responding to a Hazardous Materials Incident HAZWOPER training for first responders. Evaluation, source identification, labels, placards, MSDSs, containment, securing the area, flammable materials, treating spilled liquids, and minimization hazardous waste. 

MSDSs are the most important documents in a Hazard Communication Program. They provide specific, detailed information about the hazards of chemical materials and immediate action to take in the event of incident or exposure to the chemical. All manufacturers and importers must obtain or develop a MSDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. 

Before you consider using laboratory pressure reactors, learn all that you can about the chemistry of the reactants and products to assess the potential hazards, particularly explosive properties. Bretherick s Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards is highly recommended for evaluation of potential explosive properties of your reactants and related incidents. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) may also have information about incompatibles and adverse reactions associated with the reactants. 

There are information resources on hazardous substances, such as the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center, CHEMTREC. It offers a public service hotUne for fire fighters, law enforcement, and other emergency responders, and for manufacturers and shippers to obtain information and assistance for emergency incidents involving chemicals and hazardous materials. Callers can obtain information on nearly three million material safety data sheets (MSDSs). 

Safety and health information means the establishment s fatality, injury, and illness history OSHA 200 logs workers compensation claims nurses logs the results of any medical screening or surveillance employee safety and health complaints and reports environmental and biological exposure data information from prior workplace safety and health inspections materials safety data sheets (MSDSs) the results of employee symptom surveys safety manuals and health and safety warnings provided to the employer by equipment manufacturers and chemical suppliers information about occupational safety and health provided to the employer by trade associations or professional safety or health organizations and the results of prior accident and incident investigations at the workplace. 

The second requirement is to create a list of all hazardous materials [29 CFR 1910.39(a-d)], which should also include the material safety data sheets (MSDSs) as an appendix to this fire prevention plan. MSDSs can be requested from the manufacturer and must be provided by law. The sheets provide the make-up of the substance, the hazards involved with it, the first aid and response to an incident involving the substance. A hazardous material is any substance, or combination of substances that has the potential to harm a person, animal, or the environment. Because it is also a combination of substances, proper handling and storage for each is required to be written. The MSDS will contain information meeting these requirements. You can also download CAMEO from the EPA website. This software will allow you to compare mixtures. When a mixture is volatile, you can plan for separate storage and must consider spill control. 

Be sure that the proper material safety data sheets (MSDSs) are readily available for information gathering if there is a chemical spill or incident. Having a detailed listing of all warehouse chemicals is required by OSH A. These chemical information sheets can be kept in files, binders, near the chemicals they represent, or in a computerized file. Employees must know where the sheets are kept and be allowed accessibility to them. If kept in a 3-ring binder, the sheets should be numerically tabbed to match the chemical listing. 

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