Material Safety Data Sheets

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides you with information about substances that you may handle in your lab or work area. This information includes chemical and physical properties, health effects, fire/explosion data, reactivity, handling, storage, and personal protective equipment. Every hazardous material should have an associated MSDS. The MSDS should be consulted before you begin your work.

Where do you get the MSDS?

• There should be an MSDS readily available for each chemical at the work location. Ask where MSDSs are kept for your lab and/or department.
• The EHS Office maintains paper copies of MSDSs at the Chemical Storage and Distribution Facility located in the lower northeast corner of Coolbaugh Hall. Copies may be made at that location.
• Vendors and manufacturers are required by OSHA regulations to provide an MSDS for any hazardous products. Call them directly for assistance.
• Many MSDSs are up on the Internet. Use any search engine to find sites or click here:

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/index.html

Additional information

If you cannot find the information you need about a substance contact the EHS Office at extension 3316. We will help you find the MSDS and/or provide information from our other sources (reference books, CD-ROM databases, etc.).