Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure employees and others have access to MSDS for any hazardous substance used at work. Information on MSDS should be used to identify any potential hazards that may arise from use, storage, and transportation of the chemicals in question. Discussions between employers and employees should take place to find ways in which potential hazards can be reduced or eliminated, taking into account the risks and costs involved. Once a hazard has been identified, the risk of injury or harm needs to be determined and an assessment made as to whether it is practicable to reduce or eliminate the risks.
Different chemicals can cause different health problems and have different safe use requirements.
It is important to know as much as possible about the hazardous substances used at work. Identification An MSDS should first identify the product. If the product is a mixture, the MSDS should describe the proportions of chemicals. Health Effects Information should cover health effects associated with exposure to skin, eyes, inhalation, swallowing, both immediate and long term. The entries should be clear and understandable to the lay person.