Material Safety Data Sheet: a legal requirement
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) contains information about potential hazards of (chemical) products on-site. A well-described MSDS advice on how to work safely with various products especially hazardous ones.
A Material Safety Data Sheet is an important component of product stewardship and complianc with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and regulations. It is also known as product safety data sheet (PSDS). The document is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner.
A Material Safety Data Sheet is a widely used system for cataloging information on chemicals, chemical compounds, and chemical mixtures. Companies that use chemicals and chemical-based products must have a Material Safety Data Sheet.
Layout of a compliant Material Safety Data Sheet should have the following basic information. Note that even when it is not applicable or not necessary, this must be indicated with a text stating 'not applicable/necessary' .
>> Identification of the material
>> Potential hazardous Ingredients
>> Physical Data
>> Fire and explosion information
>> Reactivity information
>> Health hazard information
>> First Aid measures
>> Preventative measures
>> Storage and handling requirements
>> Spill clean-up and waste disposal guidance preparation information
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Importance of a Material Safety Data Sheet:
Companies are legally obliged by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 to be in possession of a Material Safety Data Sheet for all products that should come with one. It is an essential starting point for the development of a complete health and safety program. The document is supposed to inform the users about the components used in making a certain product. It will show the type of chemicals used and it also provides details of the products’ physical properties. In addition, it will advice them about how to properly handle and use such products . Moreover, this is also be a good way to alert employees as they will know how to react in case there is crisis in the workplace related to those chemicals. Being fully aware of the chemicals they are handling, employees would exert extra caution when dealing with the components.
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The information found in a Material Safety Data Sheet should be taken seriously. It is important that employers get hold of the MSDS and have it thoroughly studied by an expert before deciding to purchase. Appointed First Aiders must be fully trained and aware of every MSDS, especially the Chemical MSDS in the company. In this way you ensure that you buy only safe products and products that won't compromise health and safety in the workplace.
Containers should be labelled properly, corresponding with the MSDS information provided to avoid confusion and wrong use. Make this your safety priority tip upon reception of such products. Do not accept chemicals and chemical based products from any supplier if they do not come with a Material Safety Data Sheet.
Depending on the product, the chemicals can be less or extremely dangerous. Chemicals may be detrimental to health which can have immediate or long term side effects varying from burns to cancer. That is the very reason people should be made aware of the nature of chemicals they are dealing with. It is important that effects are identified, documented, as well as be well-understood by the receiver. This ensures that preventive and corrective actions can be taken.
Comments (16)
Hi I am working for a fertilizer company where can I get the info about a particular fertilizer that needs to go onto the MSDS In each section. Do you need to be certified to draw up MSDS.... IS there a course you can recommend to draw up MSDS. Regards Hentie
2020-08-13 19:53:21Thanks for sharing informative article, I really like this post.
2022-09-17 09:44:23Hi, can you assist with putting together a MSDS for a product?
2021-06-02 15:12:11Can the supplier make reference to a link containing their product's MSDS on their product packaging or do they have to supply an actual MSDS document with each product batch issued?
2020-09-11 09:35:25Hi - Is there a standard form that is issued by the relevant authority to guide us to create our own safety data sheets? We dont work with chemicals but we do manufacture products containing sea salt with essential oils? The airlines are requesting Safety data sheets even for small parcels of samples that we are sending overseas? Thanks you Sharon
2021-02-26 10:19:58Hallo im a chemical manufacturer i would like to know how to register so that I can get a msds certificate in order for me to operate
2020-03-23 12:39:54Hallo. I am a chemical manufacturer i would like to know how to register so that I can get a MSDS certificate in order for me to operate
2020-10-29 08:10:45I would like to apply for MSDS License please..I'm located in Cape Town
2023-02-22 14:00:43Dear Moumen Thank you for your request via our comments... Unfortunately, we do not issue licenses for MSDS... You must request your MSDS from the manufacturer of the product that supplies it...
2023-02-23 09:09:53Hi I just started a Pest control company and I need safety data sheet for pesticides I'll be using
2022-11-11 21:27:13Dear Moses Thank you for your request via our comments... For MSDS you must contact your supplier who will get the MSDS from the Chemical Manufacturer... Please do visit our My Shop for all your other Health and Safety needs: https://www.mysafetyshop.co.za/
2022-11-14 08:33:49I would like to export fragrances and perfumes that have a very small intake of alcohol. How can I go ahead to receive my MSDS?
2020-05-31 08:02:42I am chemical manufacturer In a registered company how do l get MSDS for my company
2021-11-09 12:26:30I am chemical manufacturer In a registered company how do l get MSDS for my company
2021-11-09 12:26:30Good day, We are a copper manufacturing company in Wadeville, we require assistance in creating SDS documents for Export of Slag/Mill Scale Bi-products of Copper/Brass, into the European market. Is this something you can assist us with, and what will be the costing and turnaround time for a process like this. Regards, Lizelle Janse van Rensburg QMS Manager (011) 821 0713 Copalcor (PTY) Ltd.
2023-10-04 11:10:24Dear Lizelle Thank you for your request via our website comments... I have made contact with you...Many thanks...
2023-10-09 10:01:24hi evryone , i will like to know about the msds , the valid date of expiry .
2021-12-10 11:40:46Im a chemical manufacturer Im a registered company how do l get MSDS for my company
2021-05-19 23:03:08Good Afternoon Please can you send me the Safety Data sheet for Macro Washing Up Liquid - Cool-Blue Anti-Bacterial (5Ltrs) please. Many thanks Clair Dodson Senior Support Coordinator Can-Do Community Recycling Unit 1 Westshore Industrial Estate Fraserburgh AB43 9SU
2020-08-06 15:18:38