Is MSDS requirements for non-hazardous chemicals?
Non-hazardous chemicals do not need an SDS. If you decide to prepare an SDS for a non-hazardous chemical, you can add information like you would for a hazardous chemical.
MSDSs must be developed for hazardous chemicals used in the workplace, and must list the hazardous chemicals that are found in a product in quantities of 1% or greater, or 0.1% or greater if the chemical is a carcinogen. The MSDS does not have to list the amount that the hazardous chemical occurs in the product.
OSHA does not require that MSDSs be provided to purchasers of household consumer products when the products are used in the workplace in the same manner that a consumer would use them, i.e.; where the duration and frequency of use (and therefore exposure) is not greater than what the typical consumer would experience.
Every chemical manufacturer or importer must provide an SDS for any hazardous materials they sell, and OSHA requires that all workplaces in the United States keep an SDS for every hazardous chemical onsite.
It should also be noted that MSDSs are only required for hazardous chemicals. In reality, MSDSs are prepared and provided for many products that are not covered by the HCS. It is our understanding that this is being done for product liability purposes, not for compliance with any Federal regulation.
OSHA requires that employers maintain copies of SDSs for each chemical in the workplace classified as hazardous. Although some hazardous chemicals, such as household cleaning products, do not require the employer to maintain an SDS if used for the same purpose, duration, and frequency as a consumer.
The Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200, became a final rule for manufacturing facilities on November 25, 1983. That standard mandated each employer to obtain and maintain copies of MSDSs for each hazardous chemical used in the facility.
All labels are required to have pictograms, a signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier, and supplier identification. A sample revised HCS label, identifying the required label elements, is shown on the right. Supplemental information can also be provided on the label as needed.
MSDS (material safety data sheet) a document that contains info. on the potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity and environmental) and how to work safely with the chemical product.
Sections 1-11 and 16 are required, sections 12-15 may be included but are not required. Section 1—Identification: Product identifier, manufacturer or distributor name, address, phone number, emergency phone number, recommended use, and restrictions on use.
Are MSDS still acceptable?
Response: Yes, as long as the MSDS is compliant with the former Hazard Communication standard, HCS 1994.
OSHA rulings stipulate that only hazardous materials require GHS labels.

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is now called an SDS (Safety Data Sheet). The purpose of both MSDS and SDS documents remains unchanged and is to list the information pertaining to the occupational health and safety for the various uses of the substances and products.
The requirement for MSDSs for hazardous chemicals utilized in workplaces is set forth under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200 (copy enclosed).
Ergonomic. Ergonomic related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 33% of all employee injury and illness cases. These types of hazards occur when repetitive work, the type of work, or a certain position strains the body. These are the most difficult hazards to spot because problems build up over time.
Safety Data Sheets
The employer must obtain or develop an SDS for each hazardous chemical imported, manufactured, and/or used in the workplace, which must be readily accessible during each work shift to employees in their work area(s). The SDSs may be kept in any form (i.e., electronic, paper).
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (formerly MSDS) is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance.
OSHA standard, 29 CFR 1910.1020, Access to employee Exposure and Medical Records defines "employee exposure records" to include material safety data sheets. The standard requires all employee exposure records to be maintained for at least 30 years.
According to the ANSI standard and GHS, an MSDS should always have 16 sections, each with a fixed heading name.
The MSDSs must be readily available to the workers who are exposed to the controlled product and to the health and safety committee or representative. If a controlled product is made in the workplace, the employer has a duty to prepare an MSDS for any of these products.
What 3 things must appear on a MSDS label?
The label at a minimum must have the: name of the product, name and address of the manufacturer, and the physical and health hazards associated with the product. Hazard warnings need to reflect physical hazards such as flammability, corrosivity, or reactivity.
Material Safety Data Sheets. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Safety Data Sheets. The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDSs) to communicate the hazards of hazardous chemical products.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons.
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that contains information on the potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity and environmental) and how to work safely with the chemical product. It is an essential starting point for the development of a complete health and safety program.
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR Section 1910.1200) requires chemical manufacturers and importers to obtain or develop an MSDS for each hazardous chemical that they produce or import, and requires employers to have an MSDS available for each hazardous chemical that they use (29 CFR Section 1910.1200(g)).
Classification lists the specific Classes of hazards, for example carcinogenicity or flammable solid. Within the Hazard Classes the degree of hazard is indicated with a Category. The Category is usually a number (1-4) or letter (A, B, C) although there are few that are indicated with words.
If you are unsure, always check with the product's supplier. The labels of hazardous chemicals usually contain the words 'danger' or 'warning', along with relevant pictograms and details of hazards.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Tendinitis.
- Rotator cuff injuries (affects the shoulder)
- Epicondylitis (affects the elbow)
- Trigger finger.
- Muscle strains and low back injuries.
The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires manufacturers or distributors of chemicals to issue MSDSs with the first shipment of any hazardous chemical product, and the employer is responsible for having them available to all workers.
What is considered a hazardous chemical?
A hazardous chemical, as defined by the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), is any chemical which can cause a physical or a health hazard. This determination is made by the chemical manufacturer, as described in 29 CFR 1910.1200(d).
- skin irritants.
- carcinogens.
- respiratory sensitisers.
A hazard statement is a phrase that describes the nature of the hazard in the substance or mixture. A hazard statement will be determined by the application of the classification criteria. Examples of hazard statements include: causes serious eye damage.