1. Reading a Material Safety Data Sheet v An MSDS is written information about the chemicals you are exposed to in shop/work v Every chemical in a shop must have an MSDS v MSDSs may look different but they all have 8 to 10 basic sections v Sections can appear in different order

2. Typical MSDS Information #1 v Chemical Identification or Name: –manufacturer’s name, address & emergency phone number –chemical name –trade name –chemical formula

3. Typical MSDS Information #2 v Hazardous Ingredients: –chemicals that are potentially harmful –safe exposure levels ( TLV- threshold limit value or PEL- permissible exposure limit) –provides the C.A.S. numbers that identify specific chemicals

4. Typical MSDS Information #3 v Physical Data: –boiling point –vapor density –percent volatile –appearance & odor –hazards associated with different work environments

5. Typical MSDS Information #4 v Fire and Explosion Data: –flash point info –upper & lower flammability limits –proper types of extinguishing media –special firefighting steps –unusual fire & explosion hazards

6. Typical MSDS Information #5 v Health Hazard Data: –effects of overexposure due to ingestion, inhalation & skin or eye contact –acute (immediate) effects –chronic (long-term) effects –known carcinogens –emergency & first aid info

7. Typical MSDS Information #6 v Reactivity Data: –is the chemical stable or unstable (reactive) –if reactive could it explode, burn or release toxic substances –list of incompatible chemicals

8. Typical MSDS Information #7 v Spill or Leak Procedures: –steps to take in a spill situation –types of cleanup –protective equipment needed –proper ways to dispose of chemicals

9. Typical MSDS Information #8 v Special Protection Information: –respirators –gloves –eye protection –ventilation

10. Typical MSDS Information #9 v Special Precautions: –proper storage –proper handling –other concerns not already mentioned

11. The Right To Know Law v Gives employees info about chemicals located at the workplace v Helps firefighters, police & other emergency personnel respond to hazardous substance incidents v Provides data to track hazardous substances at work & in the environment

12. What are your rights? v The right to work with labeled containers v The right to obtain a copy of the Right to Know Survey of hazardous substances in the workplace v The right to get Fact Sheets & Material Safety Data Sheets about chemicals you may be exposed to

13. What are your rights? #2 v The right to annual training about hazardous chemicals at the workplace v The right to exercise your rights without reprisals from your employer v The right to file a complaint against your employer for not complying with the Act ( your name is kept confidential)

14. What are your rights? #3 v The right to refuse to work with a substance if your employer has not given you the information you requested in writing within five working days. –During that time, you should call the Department of Health for more information BEFORE you refuse to work with the substance

15. Right To Know Enforcement v The Department of Health v The Department of Environmental Protection v The Department of Labor