Every employee and employer has the right to know about any hazardous material that they come in contact with. It is required by OSHA that all places of employment have access to material safety data sheets that are available and accessible to all people within the workplace.
The key points that you are going to look up within the material safety data sheets include: who sells or makes the chemical and where the company is located, what the chemical is, in what way the chemicals are safe and the conditions that increase risk, how to safely handle the chemical, what safety equipment should be used while handling the chemical, what to do if you are exposed, and how to handle a chemical spill or emergency. There is more located within material safety data sheets, but these are the important parts that everyone must focus on in the work place to ensure safety.
It is required by
OSHA that all chemical manufacturers and importers develop, obtain, and provide a material safety data sheet with each and every chemical that they sell. Many companies store their material safety data sheets in a binder or a computerized database. The information must be accessible within immediate work areas. It is best to keep a few hard copies handy, even if you decide to place it on a computer database. This will ensure that it is accessible at all times.
Whenever you are handing a substance that you are not sure of you need to consult your material safety data sheets. That is what they are placed in the workplace for. The only safe way to handle a chemical is to be knowledgeable of what it is and what your hazards are when using it. It also can harm those around you if you are not careful. It never hurts to check. Always remember the saying that it is better to be safe than sorry.
Material safety data sheets can be hard to understand. This is because they were traditionally made for occupational hygienists and safety professional. Although they may be hard to read, the material is laid out in a way that it is easy to read. Some sections are more important than others are. Know the chemical, it’s hazards, safe handling and storage tips, and what to do in an emergency. You will want to know how to handle a chemical BEFORE you are involved with using it or have to clean it up. This is the most important way to protect yourself and those around you.
Some material safety data sheets will look different. This is only due to the manufacturer. It will still contain the same information that is needed when dealing with a certain chemical.
An employer must make sure than their material safety data sheets are up to date. They cannot be any older than three years. If a certain chemical is created within your work place, you must create the proper material safety data sheets to go along with it.
