Specific safety and health information is listed on the MSDS provided by the chemical manufacturer or supplier. MSDSs provide detailed information not found on container labels. This information is used to identify the chemical hazards, select appropriate protective equipment and establish safe work practices and emergency procedures. Chemical hazards are classified as physical and health hazards. Physical hazards can cause an immediate injury if not adequately controlled.
Physical hazards are fires, explosions, spontaneous ignition, and compressed gasses.
Health hazards can result in chemically induced immediate or delayed health effects. Chemical health hazards are toxics, carcinogenics, irritants, corrosives, and sensitizers. Each department is to maintain a copy of a MSDS for each chemical product an employee may be exposed to in the course of their work. Supervisors are responsible for establishing protective practices for employees who may contact hazardous chemicals. Employees have a responsibility to follow safe work practices Employee Information and Training Employees using, or potentially exposed to, chemicals are to receive information and training.