Knowing the Risks – example
Calcium oxide, or quicklime, is a commonly used and inexpensive reagent used in many chemical processes. As it is most often a powder, if it spills across a bench, a typical response might be to wet it and wipe it down with a paper towel. However, CaO is extremely reactive with water; contact with water creates a highly exothermic reaction that can cause burns or irritation. It would be crucial for a fire fighter to know that one should never use water extinguishers if there is quicklime present, as that could immediately worsen the situation.
Having safety information about hazardous chemicals close at hand is important for researchers, so you know what material you are working with, how it reacts to its environment and in reactions, what you should do or wear to protect yourself, and how to dispose of them appropriately. This information is also important for anyone who may enter your lab who is not familiar with these materials, including any first responders.
Where to find safety information
This type of information is found in Safety Data Sheets (SDS), formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).SDSs are a standardized 16-section document required by OSHA that provides comprehensive safety information for any chemical. All employers are required to maintain copies or access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals present in the workplace. Most manufacturers and distributors will provide the SDS in shipping paperwork, or on their website. This isn’t just a formality—SDS contain a wealth of information that can help you prepare, use, respond to incidents, and dispose of the chemicals you work with.
What’s included
In brief, the 16-sections always appear in the below order and include:
Section 1: Identification includes product identifier; manufacturer or distributor name, address, phone number; emergency phone number; recommended use; restrictions on use.
Section 2: Hazard(s) identification includes all hazards regarding the chemical; required label elements.
Section 3: Composition/information on ingredients includes information on chemical ingredients; trade secret claims.
Section 4: First-aid measures includes important symptoms/effects, acute, delayed; required treatment.
Section 5: Firefighting measures lists suitable extinguishing techniques, equipment; chemical hazards from fire.
Section 6: Accidental release measures lists emergency procedures; protective equipment; proper methods of containment and cleanup.
Section 7: Handling and storage lists precautions for safe handling and storage, including incompatibilities.
Section 8: Exposure controls/personal protection lists OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs); ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs); and any other exposure limit used or recommended by the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer preparing the SDS where available as well as appropriate engineering controls; personal protective equipment (PPE).
Section 9: Physical and chemical properties lists the chemical’s characteristics.
Section 10: Stability and reactivity lists chemical stability and the possibility of hazardous reactions.
Section 11: Toxicological information includes routes of exposure; related symptoms, acute and chronic effects; numerical measures of toxicity.
Section 12: Ecological information
Section 13: Disposal considerations
Section 14: Transport information
Section 15: Regulatory information
Section 16: Other information, includes the date of preparation or last revision.
Make them Available and Accessible
The SDS for all hazardous chemicals in your inventory must be made available, whether this is as printed copies stored in an easily accessible location known to all personnel, or available online. An online inventory and SDS database is only appropriate if an accessible device is available to all personnel and they have been trained on how to use the appropriate resources to access the SDS. Employees who do not have access to computers or who do not have reliable internet access cannot have an online database as their sole source of SDSs.
Need to find an SDS? GoldFFX by ChemWatch is available to all Johns
Hopkins employees and provides a comprehensive database of both vendor and
independently researched SDS. Access it through the Occupation &
Environmental Safety website.
For more information about SDS:
OES Safety Data Sheets
OSHA Brief- Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets