MSDS & ISO

Standard information is essential for safe handling of hazardous chemicals.

Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) are technical information sheets about a chemical or substances composition and warnings about its chemistry used by businesses and industry. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a nongovernmental organization that coordinates industry standards worldwide.

MSDS Features

The federal government requires every business to prepare a material safety data sheet for every hazardous chemical it uses or produces. The MSDS includes the chemical or common name of every chemical and its hazardous components and lists the health hazards and signs or symptoms of exposure. MSDS also gives safe handling precautions and procedures for dealing with exposure or contamination. Employers must have a MSDS in the workplace for every hazardous chemical used.

ISO

The ISO sets international standards for business and government on thousands of subjects pertinent to virtually every industry and consumer interest. The organization is a network of standards' institutes from 163 countries with a central office in Geneva, Switzerland. ISO member institutes include government agencies and private sector companies.

Function

ISO standards ensure safety and reliability of products and services. MSDS provides essential information about hazardous products to employees and consumers.

References

• International Organization for Standardization
• US Department of Labor: Occupational Safety & Health Administration: MSDS

Resources

• US Code: MSDS