What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a critical document required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that provides detailed information about hazardous substances used in the workplace. The primary function of an MSDS is to inform employees and emergency responders about the properties of these substances, including their potential hazards, safe handling and storage practices, measures for personal protection, and procedures to follow in case of a spill or exposure.

The MSDS plays a crucial role in ensuring safe practices by helping workers understand the risks associated with chemical exposure and how to mitigate them. It typically includes sections on identification of the substance, hazards identification, composition, first-aid measures, firefighting measures, handling and storage, exposure controls, and stability and reactivity.

This document is essential for compliance with safety regulations and serves to enhance workplace safety by promoting informed practices regarding hazardous materials. It is not a general workplace safety rules document, nor is it specifically focused on personal safety practices in laboratories or emergency medical procedures, which differentiates it from the other options provided.