This section will aid writers in identifying the specific types of information required in MSDSs used in Canada, the US and the European Union. This document is not intended to be a comprehensive guide on how to write MSDSs but it will provide information that will be useful to MSDS writers.
Many countries now have legislation that requires chemical producers or suppliers to prepare MSDSs.
The first step in preparing an MSDS is to collect information about the material and its components including physical, chemical and environmental characteristics, and toxicity information. The collected information is then evaluated and assessed to determine the potential physical, health and environmental hazards associated with the material. Then, using professional judgement, classify the product according to the hazard criteria specified in legislation of the country where the product will be used. This legislation defines the criteria for categorizing controlled products into various classes. Several classes have subclasses to provide more specific information about particular kinds of hazards.