Franklin & Marshall College

The ANSI Z400.1-1993 MSDS Format

A standard format for Material Safety Data Sheets was developed by members of the Chemical Manufacturers Association and certified by the American National Standards Institute in 1993. It is used by Sigma/Aldrich for the MSDSs accessible via the College network, as well as by all the larger chemical suppliers. This format provides a logical and internally consistent structure for the data sheets. The structure is determined by a sequence of four questions for which the MSDS provides answers.

• What is the material and what do you need to know immediately in an emergency? Sections 1 through 3 provide information on the identity, manufacturer, hazardous components, and identification of the hazards.
• What should you do if a hazardous situation occurs? Sections 4 through 6 give measures for first-aid, fire-fighting and accidental release.
• How can you prevent hazardous situations from occurring? Sections 7 through 10 contain information on storage and handling, personal protective equipment and controls, physical and chemical properties, and stability and reactivity of the material.
• Is there any other useful information about this material? Sections 11 through 16 round out the MSDS with what is available on toxicological and ecological effects, disposal considerations, transport and regulatory information, and any other information believed to be useful.

This format seems suited for waiting to get the information you need, when you need it. But will you be prepared for an emergency when it occurs, if you wait? MSDSs can be complicated, technical documents, far better used for planning for emergencies than responding to them. Don't wait, read your MSDSs before you begin working with the material.

Section 1. Chemical Product and Company Identification.

This includes the address and telephone number of the manufacturer. The names of different grades of the material and any generic names can also be found here. This section also includes emergency phone numbers to use in the event of an accident or accidental release of this material.

Section 2. Composition and Information on Ingredients

All ingredients that are hazardous, individually or in combination with other ingredients, are listed here. Some MSDSs list only the hazardous ingredients. Some list hazardous ingredients plus other significant ingredients. Others list hazardous ingredients present as 1% or more of the total formula (0.1% if they are carcinogenic). And others simply list all the ingredients.

Section 3. Hazards Identification

This section describes the color, shape, odor, and vapors of the material. Also listed are potential health effects to the eyes and skin, as well as the effects of inhalation and ingestion. Information about flammability, combustibility, and explosivity is also listed here.

Section 4. First-Aid Measures

This section covers how to treat overexposure to a chemical, along with antidotes that can be administered to a victim. This section may also include information for physicians about clinical testing and treatment.

Section 5. Fire and Explosion Hazards

This section covers fire-fighting measures; the use of appropriate fire extinguishers, and basic fire-fighting requirements. Here you will also find information about the flammable properties of the chemical, including flash point, upper and lower flammable limits, flammability classification, auto ignition temperature, and the release of flammable vapors.

Section 6. Accidental Release Measures

Information on containment techniques, clean-up procedures, and emergency equipment required for spills and other releases of the chemical is included here. The information in this section is primarily for the benefit of emergency responders.

Section 7. Handling and Storage

This section emphasizes precautions that are proper for the specific properties of the material. Listed here are practices that minimize contact between the worker and the material, as well as risks of fire and explosion, and spills.

Section 8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Information on practices and/or equipment useful for minimizing worker exposure, guidance on personal protective equipment, and exposure guidelines may appear in this section.

Section 9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Characteristics of the hazardous material are listed: odor, physical state, pH level, vapor pressure, vapor density, boiling point, freezing or melting point, solubility in water, specific gravity or density. You may also find some of the following information about a chemical (when appropriate): heat value, particle size, volatile organic compounds content, softening point, evaporation rate, viscosity, bulk density, molecular weight, and molecular formula.

Section 10. Stability and Reactivity

This section describes conditions that could result in a hazardous chemical reaction. Also include here is information about chemical stability, incompatibility with other chemicals, hazardous polymerization, and hazardous materials created as the material decomposes.

Section 11. Toxicological Information

Background data (including the results of tests and studies involving the chemical) used to determine the hazards presented by this chemical will appear in this section.

Section 12. Ecological Information

Information included in this section is intended to help the environmental professionals determine the impact of the chemical on the environment, in the event of a release.

Section 13. Disposal Considerations

This section provides information about chemical classification under hazardous waste disposal regulations, and special disposal instructions.

Section 14. Transport Information

Basic shipping classification information may appear in this section.

Section 15. Regulatory Information

Here you will find information about the regulatory status of the materials, including its components and regulated uses. In addition to OSHA regulations, this section may discuss the regulations of other federal agencies, and of other nations.

Section 16. Other Useful Information

This section contains any other information the manufacturer thinks might be useful to the user.