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How to Read a Material Safety Data Sheet AFSCME members who work around chemicals frequently ask, "What is this stuff and what is it doing to me?" Most public employees are now covered by Right -to -Know laws which require employers to supply workers with information on the identity of the chemicals they are exposed to, their health effects and training on how to handle them safely. In addition, all containers of hazardous materials must carry a warning label. The details of these laws may differ from state to state, but they all require employees to have access to a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) which contains information on health hazards, chemical ingredients, physical characteristics, control measures, and special handling procedures for all hazardous substances in the work area. The laws say that MSDSs must be readily accessible to all employees. It is also illegal to have any blanks on the sheet. If no information exists, "no information" must be written in the space. Because federal law requires all chemical manufacturers and distributors to produce and distribute MSDSs, public employees who are not covered by a Right -to -Know law may still be able to obtain an MSDS from their employer or directly from the chemical manufacturer or distributor. The laws state that MSDSs must contain complete, accurate, and up-to-date information. Nevertheless, many MSDSs are inaccurate and incomplete. They may, however, still be very useful if you know how to read them and where to look for more information. Many states have agencies that will check the accuracy of MSDSs and the AFSCME Research Department can also assist. MSDSs may differ slightly in organization, but they must all contain the same basic information on hazardous ingredients, health effects, legal and recommended exposure limits, physical properties, and control methods. Section I - Material Identification The name of the product and name, address, and emergency telephone number of the manufacturer must be provided. Section II - Hazardous Ingredients/Identity Information Which Chemicals are Covered? State laws differ about which chemicals are required to be listed on an MSDS. Those states with laws similar to the Federal OSHA hazard communication standard require evaluation of all -M1, ,• chemicals. All those found to be hazardous are covered by the law. Some states, however, LD require coverage of only the chemicals which have OSHA standards (about 500 chemicals). Aub 222017 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT