Appendix K
Material Safety Data Sheets
An MSDS is a summary of information on a given chemical, which identifies the material, its health and physical hazards, its exposure limits, and the precautions involved. An MSDS also describes the hazards of a material and provides information on the way the material may be safely handled, used, and stored. Soldiers and Marines should request a copy of an MSDS when receiving a hazardous chemical from supply and retain it for turn-in purposes. Commanders should periodically review each MSDS pertaining to their unit to ensure a quick response when identifying symptoms and handling emergencies. Commanders must also have one of these forms for every chemical in the Soldier and Marine work area. Each version of an MSDS must be approved by the DOL or G-4. The MSDS does not contain a special format, nor does it include all known data for a given chemical. However, typical components are outlined in 29 CFR l9l0. The MSDS can be generated by data and obtained through the Hazardous Material Information Resource System or directly from the product vendor or supplier. Table K-l, page K-2, provides a reference for information found in an MSDS. Table K-2, page K-3, details the chemical hazards portion of the MSDS.
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET INTRODUCTION
K-l. This information allows a unit to-
• Protect Soldier and Marine health.
• Store materials safely.
• Respond to spills and emergencies quickly and correctly.
K-2. When a material is issued, Soldiers and Marines should ask supply personnel to provide an MSDS.
A sample MSDS for motor fuel is shown in figure K-l, pages K-4 through K-9. However, Soldiers and Marines should remember that MSDS forms vary. If an MSDS is unavailable for a particular hazardous substance, contact the installation safety office for assistance.
Table K·1. MSDS guide
Section/Topic
Typical Contents
Section 1-Product and Company Identification
• Product name
• Manufacturer's name and address
• Trade or common name of product
Section 2-Hazardous Ingredients
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)/Chemical Abstract System Number
• Chemical name and percentage
• Workers' exposure limits
Section 3-Hazards Identification
• Emergency overview
• Potential health effects
Table K·1. MSDS guide (continued)
Section/Topic
Typical Contents
Section 4-First Aid Measures
• Inhalation
• Skin
• Eyes
• Ingestion
Section 5-Firefighting Measures
• Flash point
• Flammable limits
• Automatic ignition temperature
• General hazards
• Extinguishing media
• Firefighting procedures
• Unusual fire and explosion hazards
• Hazardous combustion products
Section 6-Environmental Release Measures
Steps to be taken in case material is released or spilled
Section 7-Handling and Storage
Precautions to be taken in handling and storage
Section 8-Exposure Controls/Personal
Protection
• Engineering: Recommended respiratory and ventilation
• Personal protection: PPE, if needed
Section 9-Physical and Chemical Properties
• Vapor pressure
• Vapor density
• Specific gravity
• Evaporation rate
• Solubility in water
• Freezing point
• Measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution (pH)
• Appearance and odor
• Boiling point
• Physical state
• Viscosity
• Volatile organic compounds
Section 1O-Stability and Reactivity
• Stability
• Conditions to avoid
• Incompatibility (materials to avoid)
• Hazardous decomposition or byproducts
• Hazardous polymerization
• Conditions to avoid
Section 11-Toxicological Information
• Hazardous ingredients
• Chemical Abstract System Number
Section/Topic
Typical Contents
Section 12-Ecological Information
See figure J-1, page J-4
Section 13-Disposal Considerations
See figure J-1, page J-4
Section 14-Transport Information
• Proper shipping name
• Hazard class
• Reference
• Identification number
• Label
• Hazard symbols
Section 15-Regulatory Information
See figure K-1, page L-8
Section 16-0ther Information
See figure K-1, page L-9
Table K·2. Chemical hazards
Health Hazards
Physical Hazards
• Illness
• Acute or chronic health effects
• Injury
• Explosion and/or fire
• Violent chemical reactions
• 0ther hazardous situations
Figure K·1. Sample MSDS
Figure K·1. Sample MSDS (continued)
Figure K·1. Sample MSDS (continued)
Figure K·1. Sample MSDS (continued)
Figure K·1. Sample MSDS (continued)
Figure K·1. Sample MSDS (continued)