Hazardous Chemicals and You

Do you work around a lot of chemicals? If so, you should be familiar with the chemicals and know what dangers are associated with handling them. Brief hazard information is located on package labels. More detailed information about the risks and handling procedures for chemicals are provided on bulletins from chemical manufactures or importers. These bulletins are also called material safety data sheets (MSDSs).

Information on MSDSs is usually very specific and technical because it is intended for safety and health professionals. The U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety, and Health Administration provides a summary of the hazard communication standard under which MSDSs fall.

MSDSs are used worldwide to provide information about a chemical, how it should be used, its effects, how to protect against those effects, what regulations apply to a chemical, and other information. In addition to alternate chemical comparisons, MSDSs are also used to explain protective measures for handling a chemical. MSDSs are not intended consumers. These sheets reflect the occupational hazards of working with chemicals. More information about MSDSs is available at MSDS FAQ.

Hazardous chemicals are routinely used in a variety of settings from industrial to agricultural. If your enterprise uses hazardous materials, maintain an inventory of chemicals used on sight, provide training to workers on safe handling and storage of those chemicals, and provide access to the MSDS. MSDS online includes links to MSDSs online sites (general, government, chemical manufacturer, and others).

Even if you don’t work with hazardous chemicals every day, you should be aware that you probably have products around your home that, if not properly handled and stored, can be hazardous to people and pets. You can find health and safety information on household products by visiting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Household Product Database.

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