STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
SOP NO: CHP-02
DATE: 9-18-03
REVISION: 4
Using Material Safety Data Sheets
A. SCOPE
The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and “Occupational
Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories”(29CFR 1910.1450) incorporate
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s) as a critical component. A hazardous
chemical, according to OSHA, is “any chemical which poses a physical hazard
or a health hazard” to the user.
Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to obtain or develop an MSDS
for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. If chemicals are developed
in University laboratories for use outside of that laboratory, an MSDS should
be prepared and provided to the end user of the chemical. Faculty and staff have
access to MSDS through a variety of sources, including Departmental files, manufacturer’s
websites, lab-specific MSDS inventories and the University EH&S web site.
B. MSDS CONTENT
OSHA specifies certain information that the MSDS must contain, however they do
not mandate a particular format.
Information required by OSHA includes:
1. Identification - Label name of the material along with the name, address and
telephone number of the manufacturer and the date prepared.
2. Hazardous Ingredients - hazardous chemicals present at >1% or carcinogens
at >0.1%.
3. Permissible Exposure Limits - as defined by OSHA (PELS); or the American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH TLV’s).
4. Physical and Chemical Characteristics - properties such as boiling point,
melting point, vapor pressure, color, odor etc.
5. Fire and Explosion Hazard - flash point, upper and lower explosive limits,
hazardous decomposition products, and fire fighting procedures and precautions.
6. Reactivity Data - avoiding conditions or mixture with other chemicals to prevent
dangerous or violent reaction products; description of additives for stabilizing
the chemical.
7. Toxicological Information - lists health hazards including signs and symptoms
of exposure, medical conditions that may be aggravated, and routes of exposure
into body.
8. Precautions for Safe Handling - recommended work practices, protective measures
or equipment, use and storage safeguards, personal hygiene practices.
9. Control Measures - Appropriate engineering controls, ventilation requirements,
administrative controls and personnel protective equipment.
10. Emergency First Aid - procedures to follow immediately after exposure and
before medical help arrives. Physician treatment information for both immediate
and delayed effects.
11. Accidental Release Measures - outline steps to take when the material is
spilled or leaks into the environment. Plan for these in advance; have spill
kits available.
12. Emergency Contact Information - 24 hour telephone numbers to call in case
of emergency.
C. MSDS ADEQUACY
Chemical users (employees) must have access to MSDS’s for all chemical
products used in their workplace via the EH&S website. Many MSDS’s
omit the name of proprietary or trade secret ingredients. If complete information
is necessary to insure the health and safety of the user, this information can
be obtained by EH&S.
D. MSDS COLLECTION AND DISSEMINATION
Departments receiving MSDS’s should use them to train employees, develop
Safe Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and maintain a file on site.
Persons with Internet access may obtain information from ehs.pitt.edu and following
the instructions.
E. USING MSDS SHEETS
Check the MSDS on all chemicals before you start a project. Also read the
container label before you begin. Contact your supervisor, EH&S (412)
624-9505 or your Departments Chemical Hygiene Officer should you have any
questions about
using
a chemical or locating an MSDS.
F APPROVAL
The University of Pittsburgh’s Chemical Hygiene Plan Committee has
reviewed and approved this SOP for using MSD Sheets as attested by the signatures
of
the Committee Chairperson and the Chemical Hygiene Officer.
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