Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are more than just a big stack of papers that the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) requires employers to keep "readily accessible." These documents are valuable tools that can
help enhance worker and facility safety as well as provide information regarding storage, use and disposal of a chemical.
MSDS are a key component to proper hazard communication. They provide information about the chemical, as well as
other information used by many different individuals or groups who may use or come in contact with the product. Labels
usually don't have the room to provide highly detailed information about the chemical, so an MSDS can fill in all of
those details. A product that may not require any special handling in "normal" use could present problems when spilled
in large quantities. Because of this, OSHA requires MSDS to contain basic information on how to handle leaks and spills.
Engineering controls and safe work practices are two more elements of the MSDS that can aid in overall safety. MSDS contain
extremely useful information that pertains to the safety and well-being of employees.
