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4. CHEMICAL SAFETY CARDS
Each person involved in handling dangerous substances or preparations should
be provided with written instructions on the properties of the chemicals,
including illustrations and pictograms. These safety instructions and information
should be collected and stored in a place easily accessible at the workplace.
Every chemical container and package in the workplace, no matter how
small or big, should have an appropriate, clearly understandable label.
Due to the lack of space, the information on the label on each container
or package is often incomplete. It is, therefore, necessary to have access
to more detailed information or instructions for the safe use of chemicals.
A chemical safety data sheet provides the following basic information
about the chemical:
-
Identification :
-
Name of the substance or preparation
-
Name, address and telephone number of the company/supplier/undertaking
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Composition and information on ingredients
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Hazards identification
-
First-aid measures
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Fire-fighting measures
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Spillage, accidental release measures
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Handling and storage
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Exposure controls and personal protection
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Physical and chemical properties
-
Stability and reactivity
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Toxicological information
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Ecological information
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Disposal considerations
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Transport information
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National regulations and references
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Other information
Chemical safety data sheets should be available within the enterprise for
every chemical substance that has been classified as hazardous. They should
also be available for preparations (products) containing any of the hazardous
substances as components.
Chemical safety data sheets are published under several names, such
as:
-
international chemical safety card, ICSC
-
chemical safety card
-
chemical info-sheet
-
material safety data sheet, MSDS
-
product safety data sheet
-
health and safety data
-
safety data sheet.
There are two different types of chemical safety data sheets:
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chemical safety data sheets prepared by working groups of experts containing
information based on laboratory tests and checked knowledge.
-
chemical safety data sheets prepared by the manufacturer or retailer.
Validated data sheets on pure substances are available, e.g., from the
International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) or from national institutions
such as the Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety and Health. These can
be used by manufacturers as basic information sources when they create
chemical safety data sheets for their own products. They can also be used
on the shopfloor by workers handling the dangerous substances, for example
solvents in paint factories, in metal workshops to deal with degreasing
baths and in laundries for washing solvents, detergents, etc.
In several countries the manufacturer or importer has an obligation
to provide chemical safety data sheets on dangerous, classified substances
and preparations for industrial users: this includes all products containing
components dangerous to human health, the environment or property.
How to compile a chemical safety data sheet
The sheet should provide information in a clear and concise manner, preferably
in the form of standard phrases. Additional information may be necessary
in some cases in view of the wide range of properties of the substances
and preparations. If information on certain properties of the substance
or preparation is of no significance or is technically impossible to provide,
the reasons for this should be clearly stated.
When a safety data sheet is revised, the changes should be brought to
the attention of the recipient of the substance or preparation. For example,
when a dangerous solvent in paint is changed to a less hazardous one without
changing other qualities or the name of the paint, a new safety data sheet
should be prepared to go with the revised formula of the paint to the user.
The following notes are intended as a guide to the compilation of a
chemical safety data sheet when choosing the information to be included.
1. Identification of the substance/preparation and the company/undertaker
The names and terms used for identification must be the same as those used
on the actual label. There should be a specific identifier, such as a series
of numbers and/or letters, for preparations which have the same name, in
order to distinguish, for example, paints of different colours.
The name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer, importer
or distributor are important for further information inquiries and are
in many countries required by law.
2. Composition/information on ingredients
The information on the ingredients enables the user to identify readily
the relevant risks. For preparations it is not necessary to reveal the
full composition. However, substances which are known to present a health
hazard and substances for which an exposure limit value has been given
should be included in the safety data sheet with an indication of the concentration
range (for example, the substances listed in `Identification, Classification
and Labelling of Dangerous Chemicals', Annex 4)
To identify the possible hazards of a substance, its chemical name should
be compared with preferred names of dangerous substances from existing
lists or data bases.
To identify the ingredient substances of a preparation other information
besides the name of the substance may be included, for example, the Chemical
Abstract Service number (CAS No) and/or the number given in the Register
of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) number and/or the number
given in the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances
(EINECS).
Even if certain substances are to be kept confidential, their chemical
nature and the potential hazards associated with that substance should
be described. They should also have an unambiguous generic name.
3. Hazard identification
Under this heading should be given brief and clear descriptions of the
most important hazards the substance or the preparation creates for man,
the environment or property.
Also the most important adverse human health effects and symptoms should
be listed here. Furthermore, these should all be related to the use and
possible misuse that can reasonably be foreseen.
This information should be compatible with that shown on the product
label but need not repeat it.
4. First aid measures
Describe the first aid measures, i.e. the actions to be taken immediately
in case of overexposure to the chemical.
If immediate medical attention is required, it should be specified here.
Subdivide the information according to the different routes of exposure
under different subheadings:
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exposure by inhalation
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exposure by skin and eye contact
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ingestion
For some substances or preparations, special means should be available
at the workplace to provide specific and immediate treatment. This should
be mentioned under this heading. For example, workplaces handling hydrogen
sulphide should have protective equipment in case of an emergency. Equipment
for first aid treatment should be available and there should be training
in its use.
5. Firefighting
The information provided here can be used to plan appropriate fire and
emergency procedures.
Indicate suitable extinguishing media, as well as incompatible extinguishing
media that must not be used. For example in fires of organic solvents,
such as toluene, foam, carbon dioxide or dry chemical, but not water, should
be used.
Mention special exposure hazards caused by the substance or preparation,
such as combustion products or released gases. The need for firefighters'
special protective equipment should be specified, if necessary.
6. Spillage, accidental release
Describe here the relevant personal precautions based on the properties
of the substance or the preparation. Precautions include the removal of
ignition sources, control of dust, and prevention of skin or eye contact.
Environmental precautions, such as keeping run-off away from drains, and
the possible need to alert the neighbourhood, should be included. Methods
for clean-up, such as spraying of gases/fumes with water, dilution or use
of absorbent material (sand, acid binder, sawdust...), should be placed
here.
Consider the need for indications such as `never use', `neutralize with
...'.
7. Handling and storage
(See also section on Transport and Storage)
Consider precautions to ensure safe handling and to advise the reader
on technical measures, such as local and general ventilation, measures
to prevent aerosol and dust formation, procedures or equipment which are
prohibited or recommended, and, if possible, give a brief description of
such procedures and/or equipment as electrical grounding of containers
for flammable liquids.
Consider also the conditions for safe storage, such as incompatible
materials, storage temperature and humidity limit/range, light, inert gas
and others. Pay attention to special electrical equipment and prevention
of static electricity, and specific design for storage rooms or vessels.
Give advice if needed on quantity limits for storage (compare with the
list of chemicals with the potential to cause major hazards and the threshold
quantities suggested there). In particular, indicate any special requirements
such as the type of material to be used for the packing/container.
8. Exposure controls/personal protection
Exposure control means here the full range of precautionary measures to
be taken during the use of dangerous, classified substances and preparations
needed in order to minimize worker exposure.
Engineering measures should always precede personal protection. Information
about system design, such as the need to enclose the process, which completes
that already given under item 7, should be included here.
Information on recommended monitoring procedures (with the reference
indicated) should also be provided here.
Where personal protection is needed, specify the type of equipment that
provides adequate and suitable protection:
-
for respiratory protection specify adequate masks and the filter type
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for eye protection specify the type of protective equipment, such as safety
glasses, safety goggles, face shield
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for hand protection specify the type and material of gloves to be worn
when handling the substance or preparation. An example of the importance
of choosing the right material is that polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) provides
good protection against toluene diisocyanate but offers poor resistance
to trichloroethylene.
-
for skin protection specify the type and quality of equipment required,
such as an apron, boots or full protective suit. Indicate also the specific
hygiene measures, such as eating or smoking prohibition during handling,
or washing methods.
9. Physical and chemical properties
The following information is important regarding the description of the
properties of the substance or preparation. Add this whenever applicable. |
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Appearance: |
-indicate physical state (solid, liquid, gas),
and colour. |
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Odour: |
-if odour is perceptible, give a brief description |
|
pH: |
-to provide an indication of acidic or alkaline
(basic) properties, give the pH of the substance or preparation as supplied
or that of an aqueous solution (in the latter case indicate the concentration).
pH is expressed on a scale from 0 to 14, which can be divided into the
following ranges:
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pH 0-2 Strongly acidic
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pH 3-5 Weakly acidic
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pH 6-8 Neutral
-
pH 9-10 Weakly basic
-
pH 12-14 Strongly basic
Substances or preparations with pH values 0-2 or 11.5-14 may be classified
as corrosive. |
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Boiling point/boiling range: |
-specify here the temperature at which the material
changes from liquid to gas. If it decomposes without boiling, the temperature
at which it decomposes may be given with the abbreviation `dec.'. |
|
Melting point/melting range: |
-indicate the temperature at which the solid
material changes to a liquid |
|
Flash point: |
-the lowest temperature at which a liquid or
solid produces enough vapour to form a flammable air-vapour mixture near
its surface so that it can be ignited by a spark or flame at atmospheric
pressure. |
|
Flammability: |
-describes the ability of the material to ignite
and burn readily. A liquid or solid with a flash point above 21°C but
less than 55°C is flammable.
Highly flammable relates to substances or preparations with a
flash point above 0°C but below 21°C, as well as to solids spontaneously
flammable in air or which may readily ignite after brief contact with source
of ignition and which continue to burn after removal of the source of ignition.
Extremely flammable relates to liquids which have a flash point
below 0°C and a boiling point below 35°C, and to flammable gases
when liquified. |
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Autoflammability: |
-some materials have the feature of igniting
in air in the absence of a spark or flame. The auto-ignition temperature
can be found in the literature. |
|
Explosive properties: |
-specify, if appropriate, the concentrations
for the lower and upper explosion limits. This is usually in volume percentage
of air, for example, for xylene 1.1-7.0%, and for benzene 1.2-8.0%. |
|
Oxidizing properties: |
-substances and preparations which can generate
and maintain heat producing chemical reaction with other materials, especially
burning flammable material. |
|
Vapour pressure: |
-describes the tendency of a material to form
a vapour. It is used e.g. for estimating the inhalation or fire hazards.
Vapour pressure is expressed usually at the temperature of 20°C. |
|
Relative density: |
-the density of the substance or preparation
compared to the density of water (= 1). This figure indicates whether the
substance floats in water or sinks (when the relative density is more than
1). |
|
Solubility: |
-indicate here the solubility in water. If the
solubility is not accurately known describe with words such as: poor, moderate,
miscible,... |
|
Partition coefficient: |
- the ratio of the solubility of a substance
or preparation in n-octanol to that in water. |
|
Other data: |
provide here data relevant for safety aspects,
such as vapour density, evaporation rate, conductivity, viscosity, etc. |
|
10. Stability and reactivity
State the stability of the substance or preparation and the possibility
of hazardous reactions occurring under certain conditions. List the conditions
which should be avoided, such as high or low temperatures, pressure, light
and shock effects, which may cause a dangerous reaction and if possible
include a brief description of these.
List also the materials which may cause a dangerous reaction if they
come into contact with the substance or preparation concerned, such as
water, air, acids, bases, oxidizing agents, etc.
List materials which may be produced in dangerous quantities upon decomposition.
Indicate specifically the need for the presence of stabilizers or the
possibility of a hazardous heat-producing reaction. Specify also the safety
significance, if relevant, of a change in the physical appearance, e.g.,
colour. Also state the hazardous decomposition products, if any, formed
upon contact with water, and the possibility of degradation to unstable
products.
11. Toxicological information
This section deals with the need for concise but complete and comprehensible
description of the various health effects which may arise.
Use data on health effects based on both experiences and conclusions
from scientific studies and on validated existing data sheets.
Include information on the possible routes of exposure (inhalation,
ingestion, skin and eye contact), and describe the symptoms related to
the physical, chemical and toxicological properties.
Include known immediate and delayed effects and also chronic effects
from both short- and long-term exposure. These include allergy or cancer,
potential mutagenic and reproductive health hazards, and narcotic effects.
Refer, if relevant, to the information under heading `2. Composition/information
on ingredients' and to specific health effects of certain components in
the preparation.
12. Ecological information
This section contains an assessment of the possible effects, behaviour
and environmental fate of the substance or preparation.
Describe the most important features that may have an impact on the
environment:
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mobility
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persistence and degradability
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bioaccumulative potential
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aquatic toxicity and other data, such as behaviour of the substance or
preparation in sewage works.
Pay special attention to the properties of substances classified as being
dangerous to the environment and which are present in the preparation,
such as aerosols that contain halogenated hydrocarbons hazardous to the
ozone layer.
13. Disposal considerations
Provide descriptions of safe methods of disposal of surplus or waste resulting
from foreseeable use. The dangers involved in their disposal should also
be considered.
Indicate appropriate methods of disposal, e.g., incineration, recycling,
landfill, both for the substance or preparation and for any contaminated
packing.
Refer to the provisions related to waste. It is useful to remind the
user that national or regional provisions may be in force.
14. Transport information
Indicate any special precautions with which the user might need to comply
if the substance or preparation is transported within or outside his premises.
Refer to additional information provided by the United Nations Recommendations
on Transport of Dangerous Goods and other international agreements on the
transport and packing requirements of dangerous goods.
Mention the UN transport hazard class and packing group when appropriate.
15. Regulatory information
Local recommendations and national laws can be referred to under this section.
16. Other information
Indicate any other information which may be of importance for safety and
health such as training advice, recommended uses and restrictions and sources
of key data used to compile the data sheet in question.
Give the date when the data sheet was issued, if this is not stated
elsewhere.
QUESTIONS WHEN READING A CHEMICAL SAFETY CARD
IDENTIFICATION
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Do you have the right card for the chemical with which you are working
or will be working?
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Do you have an up-to-date card?
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
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Can this chemical explode?
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Is this chemical unstable? If so, under which conditions?
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Can this material react with other chemicals? If so, which ones? Is there
a possibility of mixing during storage?
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Can this chemical harm your health? Do you know the symptoms which may
warn you of overexposure?
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
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Does your worksite need engineering controls?
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Does this material require special handling precautions?
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Do you need protective equipment?
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Do you need to be careful when mixing this chemical with any other chemicals?
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Does this material require special storage conditions?
EMERGENCY MEASURES
-
Do you know what to do in case of a fire or explosion?
-
Do you know the fire extinguishing method for this chemical?
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Do you know the first aid measures needed in case of an overexposure?
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Do you know what to do in case of a spill or leak?
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Do you know where the emergency response equipment is and how to use it?
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CALLAGHAN J.M., DUMSCHAT C.J. and WHITING R.F., The Material Safety Data
Sheet, A Basic Guide for Users, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health
and Safety, Hamilton 1987
CIS, Finnish National Board of Labour Protection, Machine Translated
Finnish Chemical Safety Information Sheets
91/155/EEC Commission Directive of 5 March 1991 defining and laying
down the detailed arrangements for the system of specific information relating
to dangerous preparations in implementation of Article 10 of Directive
88/379/EEC
ILO, International Labour Organisation, Code of Practice on Safety in
the Use of Chemicals at Work, Geneva 1992
ILO, International Labour Organisation, Convention No. 170 Concerning
Safety in the Use of Chemicals at Work, Geneva 1990
ILO, International Labour Organisation, Recommendation No. 177 Concerning
Safety in the Use of Chemicals at Work, Geneva 1990
ILO, International Labour Organisation, Encyclopedia of Occupational
Health and Safety, Vol I - III, Geneva 1983
IPCS, International Programme on Chemical Safety and CEC, Commission
of the European Communities, International Chemical Safety Cards, 1988-1993
LEPPÄNEN M., RASA P.-L., Basic Safety Training Package on OSH,
CIS 1992
National Board of Labour Protection, Finland, Dangerous Chemicals Classification,
Warning Labelling, Material Safety Data Sheets, 1991
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Updated by AS. Approved by EC. Last update: 30.11.2004.
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