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Document ID (ISN)109745
CIS number 09-636
ISSN - Serial title 0271-3586 - American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Year 2008
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Nicol A.M., Hurrell A.C., Wahyuni D., McDowall W., Chu W.
Title Accuracy, comprehensibility, and use of material safety data sheets: A review
Bibliographic information Nov. 2008, Vol.51, No.11, p.861-876. 63 ref.
Abstract This article describes a review of the peer-reviewed scientific literature regarding the accuracy, comprehensibility and use of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) in the workplace. Of the 280 articles retrieved, 24 met the review criteria. Articles were grouped into three main topic categories: accuracy and completeness, awareness and use, and comprehensibility. Accuracy and completeness were found to be relatively poor, the majority of studies presenting evidence that the MSDSs under review did not contain information on all the chemicals present, including those known to be serious sensitizers or carcinogens. Poor presentation and complex language were consistently associated with low comprehensibility among workers. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Descriptors (primary) workplaces; chemical products; safety and health documentation; supply of information; data sheet
Descriptors (secondary) literature survey; carcinogens; reliability; sensitizers; harmful substances
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceCanada
Subject(s) Toxic and dangerous substances
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Safety and health information