The 16 Sections Of A MSDS Note: Only sections one through 11 and sec-tion 13 are required to be listed on a MSDS. 1. Product and company identification 2. Composition/information on ingredi-ents 3. Hazards identification 4. First aid measures 5. Firefighting measures 6. Accidental release measures 7. Handling and storage 8. Exposure controls/personal protec-tion 9. Physical and chemical properties 10. Stability and reactivity 11. Toxicological information 12. Ecological information 13. Disposal considerations 14. Transportation information 15. Regulatory information 16. Other information. ■ Physical and chemical properties This clarifies whether the product is a liq-uid, a solid or a vapor and notes its distinctive color or appearance, its freezing and boiling points and how fast it will evaporate. ■ Toxicological information One of the most important factors, this section covers acute and chronic health effects and symptoms that can result from using the product. It also indicates whether the product can interfere with normal cell and organ develop-ment and if there are any reactions that occur when the chemical is combined with others. ■ First aid measures This section discusses how to deal with an accident or emergency situation involving the product. Promoting Safety Cleaning professionals should know that a MSDS on a product does not last forever. It must be updated every three years or whenever there are significant changes, such as the addition or removal of an ingredi-ent that could be hazardous. Because of this, it is important to check to see how old a MSDS is. If several years have passed or formula-tions have altered, MSDSs may no longer be valid for products in your custodial closet. In addition, because the intent of a MSDS is for the users of chemicals to be able to read them and know what they include, it is often a good idea to have regular meetings with cleaning workers and review them in detail. Ultimately, MSDSs are designed to help foster a safe working environment for all building occupants — not only for cleaning professionals. For more information about MSDS compli-ance, including detailed information about each of the 16 sections, visit www.OSHA. gov/dsg/hazcom/msdsformat.html. CM Mike Sawchuk has been involved with the professional cleaning industry for more than 15 years with a focus on environmentally friendly, green cleaning. He is vice president and gen-eral manager of Enviro-Solutions Ltd. based in Ontario, Canada. Product Information no. 253 on page 32 www.cmmonline.com 39
CMM – Archives August 2012: 39
