Material Safety Data Sheets

1. Material Safety Data Sheets Hazard Communications Training for Employees

2. Hazardous Communication Program Procedures Effective: 11/20/00 This procedure is established to: • ensure compliance with the applicable state and federal standard; • safeguard the health and safety of employees and the public; and • establish guidelines to follow for implementation and maintenance of a hazard communication program. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be readily available for all flammable, toxic and caustic materials utilized within City facilities.

3. DEFINITIONS Flammable: A substance having a flash point below 100 degrees Fahrenheit - easily ignited and quick burning. Toxic: A substance which has the capacity, through chemical reaction or mixture, to produce injury or harm to the body by entry through absorption, ingestion, inhalation, or injection. Caustic: A substance with the capability of burning, destroying or eating away organic tissue by chemical reaction - Corrosive.

4. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) • The MSDS is used by chemical manufacturers and vendors to convey hazard information to users. • MSDS should be obtained when a chemical is purchased. • A chemical inventory list, and MSDS, for each chemical are maintained in a database & in binders.

5. READING THE MSDSInformation on the MSDS is organized in 16 sections as follows: • Identity The chemical name, trade name and manufacturers name, address and emergency phone number can be found here. • Hazardous Ingredients Hazardous ingredients are identified here. • Physical and Chemical Characteristics, Boiling/Melting point, vapor pressure and density, water solubility, and appearance/odor can be found here. • Fire Data Flash point, flammable limits, extinguishing media, unusual fire/explosion hazards, and any special fire fighting equipment are listed here.

6. Reading the MSDS, Continued • Health Data Routes of entry (inhalation, ingestion, etc…), effects from short and long term exposure, emergency and first aid procedures fall in this section. • Reactivity Data Stability, incompatible materials, hazardous decomposition are among the topics in this area. • Spill or Leak Procedures You will find clean-up procedures, waste disposal, and precautions needed when handling/storing materials here. • Spill Precaution Information Any personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilation, and work/hygiene practices are noted here.

7. Reading the MSDS, Continued • Physical and Chemical PropertiesThis section will include information about the physical and chemical properties of the material. The following characteristics should be detailed: appearance, odor, physical state, pH, vapor pressure, vapor density, boiling point, freezing/melting point, solubility in water and specific • Stability and Reactivity This section requires that potentially hazardous chemical reactions be identified. It addresses chemical stability, conditions to avoid, incompatibility with other materials, hazardous decomposition and hazardous polymerization.

8. Reading the MSDS, Continued • Toxicological InformationThis section discusses data used to determine the hazards that are given in Section 3, "Hazard Identification." The following information can be addressed: acute data, carcinogenicity, reproductive effects, target organ effects, etc. • Reactivity Data Stability, incompatible materials, hazardous decomposition are among the topics in this area. • Disposal ConsiderationsThis section gives important information that may be helpful in the proper disposal of the material. The information can cover disposal, recycling and reclamation.

9. Reading the MSDS, Continued • Transport InformationThis section is designed to give basic shipping information. The basic shipping information could include: the hazardous materials description, hazard class and the identification number (UN or NA numbers). • Regulatory InformationThis section discusses information on the regulations under which the material falls. Examples of a few regulatory agencies are: OSHA, TSCA (Toxic Substance Control Act), CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act), SARA Title III (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act).

10. Reading the MSDS, Continued • Other InformationThis section should include any other important information concerning the material. This information can include: hazard ratings, preparation and revisions of the MSDS, and label information.

11. Fire Hazard - Red4 Flash Point below 73 F (Boiling Point below 100 F)3 Flash Point below 73 F 2 Flash Point above 100 F, not exceeding 200 F1 Flash Point above 200 F0 Will not burn Reactivity (Instability) - Yellow4 May detonate3 Shock and heat may detonate2 Violent chemical change1 Unstable if heated0 Stable Health Hazard - Blue4 Deadly3 Extreme Danger2 Hazardous1 Slightly Hazardous0 Normal Material Specific Hazard - WhiteOX or OXY OxidizerW (with line through it) Use no water higher numbers = higher hazard GASOLINE

12. Protecting Yourself… Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be needed to protect yourself from chemical hazards Use the proper PPE required for each chemical Check the PPE before use to make sure it is not damaged Chemicals can be safely used if… You know the hazards and how to protect yourself They are used only for approved purposes They are stored properly

13. REVIEW • Know what you are working with • Know where MSDS are located and how to use them • Ask your Supervisor or Safety Committee Rep. if you have questions • Only trained employees may use chemicals • If you have not used an item in 6 months, you must re-read the MSDS and understand it.

14. The End Read the MSDS to use hazardous material safely.