11.1 Troubleshooting Basics
11.1.13 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) contain information about the proper procedures for dealing with hazardous materials. MSDSs provide a brief synopsis of hazard materials and highlight potential occupational hazards to employees and employers. An MSDS will list preventive actions that can be taken in a work environment to ensure proper handling of a substance. An MSDS also provides emergency workers with first aid information in the event of an accident. This can include additional information such as physical data, hazards ingredients of a substance, potential health effects, fire, and explosion data. All MSDSs should be placed in a binder that is accessible from the workstation. This binder should be updated and should contain an MSDS for all hazardous materials in use. Manufacturers include an MSDS when they ship hazardous chemicals. Do not throw it away.

An MSDS will usually be formatted and presented as in Figure . Figure is an example of an MSDS that might be found in a workplace environment.