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Decoding MSDS'S: Technet December 2004

The document provides guidance on how to interpret the key information contained in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). It explains that MSDS sheets typically include sections identifying the product and ingredients, physical/chemical properties, health hazards, precautions for safe handling/use, and emergency procedures. Specific terms are also defined, such as CAS number, UN number, flammability limits, toxicity measures, and occupational exposure limits that are commonly listed in MSDS sheets.

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Heri Fadli Sinaga
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33 views17 pages

Decoding MSDS'S: Technet December 2004

The document provides guidance on how to interpret the key information contained in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). It explains that MSDS sheets typically include sections identifying the product and ingredients, physical/chemical properties, health hazards, precautions for safe handling/use, and emergency procedures. Specific terms are also defined, such as CAS number, UN number, flammability limits, toxicity measures, and occupational exposure limits that are commonly listed in MSDS sheets.

Uploaded by

Heri Fadli Sinaga
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Decoding

MSDS’s
Technet December 2004
IDENTIFICATION
 Name and Formula  DG class & Subsidiary
 Synonyms  Packing Group
 CAS number*  Poison Schedule
 UN number*  Risk and Safety
 Ingredients and % Phrases
 HAZCHEM code
PLUS……….
* see overleaf for definition
Explain CAS and UN number
 CAS = A number assigned by the Chemical
Abstract Service. The number is unique to
each chemical

 UN number = A four digit number


representing a particular chemical or group
of chemicals. These numbers are assigned
by the United Nations. Unlike CAS they
may not be unique for the chemical.
The HAZCHEM Code
Petrol!

First Character: How to fight the fire

Second character [one of 8 letters] indicates,


whether a violent reaction is possible,
safety precautions for firefighters,
 whether to dilute or contain any spill.

Third character: Whether to Evacuate or not


Physical and Chemical Properties
 Flammability  Vapour Density
 Boiling Point  Specific Gravity
 Vapour Pressure  Flash Point OC
 pH  Auto-Ignition Temp.
 LEL/UEL %
See overleaf
Lower Explosive Limits LEL
Upper Explosive Limits UEL
In order for something to burn it must have:
Enough Fuel (determining the Lower flammability limit) and
Enough Oxygen (air) (determining the Upper flammability limit)

Within the Flammability range (ie between the LEL and UEL)
it will burn
Gas Flammability Range
LEL UEL
Hydrogen 4 75
Acetylene 2 85
Carbon Monoxide 12 75
LPG 2.2 9.5
What harm if... What you do if..

 It gets in your eye  It gets in your eye


 you inhale it  you inhale it
 you ingest it  you ingest it
 it gets on your skin  it gets on your skin
TOXICITY see explanation of terms overleaf
 Ingestion LD50, LDLo
 Inhalation LC50, LCLo

 OEL
TWA Normally in parts
per million ppm OR
 STEL mg/m3

 IDHL
Explanation of Toxicity Terms
 LD50 is the Lethal Dose when ingested
which killed 50% of a population of test
species
 LC50 is the Lethal Concentration in the air
which killed 50% of a population of test
species (eg. guinea pigs)
 LCLo and LDLo are the concentration and
dose levels at which the first death occured
Occupational Exposure Limits
(OEL’s)
 TWA = Time Weighted Average (normally
worked out for an 8hr working day)
 STEL = Short Term Exposure Limit (a
15minute limit)
 IDHL = Limit which is immediately
dangerous to health
From MSDS What else do you
need to know?
 Does the substance burn?
 What happens when it burns?
Ignition Sources eg
• Cigs, Open flames, Spark producing
tools/switches, heaters, pilot lights, mobile
phones, static

 Is it reactive?
 Ventilation requirements?
Effects from Exposure to Chemical
Depends on:
 frequency of use
 duration of use
 quantity
 effectiveness of existing control
measures
 PPE
 method of application
 Individual susceptibility
What PPE??
PPE on MSDS assumes heavy
contamination, worst case scenario
CONSIDER
 quantity you use

 method of application

 concentration

 availability of engineering

controls
What else on the MSDS?
 Where to store?
 How to dispose?

EMERGENCY
 If Spilt?
 If involved in a fire?
 If over-exposed?
DILUTION
Reference:

APPROVED CRITERIA FOR


CLASSIFYING
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
[NOHSC:1008(1999)]

 See Chapter 5 Concentration Cut off


Points
Gas Filters
FILTER
PROTECTS AGAINST:
TYPE
Type A Protects against certain organic gases and vapours.
Type B Protects against certain inorganic gases and acid gases.
Type E Protects against sulfur dioxide and other inorganic gases and acid gases
(excluding carbon monoxide).
Type G Protects against low vapour pressure chemicals
Type K Protects against ammonia and ammonia derivatives .
Type MB Protects against Methyl Bromide.
Type AX Protects against certain groups of low boiling point organic compounds
(boiling point less than 65 C).
Type Hg Protects against Mercury vapours.
Type No Protects against oxides of nitrogen.

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