Decoding MSDS'S: Technet December 2004
Decoding MSDS'S: Technet December 2004
MSDS’s
Technet December 2004
IDENTIFICATION
Name and Formula DG class & Subsidiary
Synonyms Packing Group
CAS number* Poison Schedule
UN number* Risk and Safety
Ingredients and % Phrases
HAZCHEM code
PLUS……….
* see overleaf for definition
Explain CAS and UN number
CAS = A number assigned by the Chemical
Abstract Service. The number is unique to
each chemical
Within the Flammability range (ie between the LEL and UEL)
it will burn
Gas Flammability Range
LEL UEL
Hydrogen 4 75
Acetylene 2 85
Carbon Monoxide 12 75
LPG 2.2 9.5
What harm if... What you do if..
OEL
TWA Normally in parts
per million ppm OR
STEL mg/m3
IDHL
Explanation of Toxicity Terms
LD50 is the Lethal Dose when ingested
which killed 50% of a population of test
species
LC50 is the Lethal Concentration in the air
which killed 50% of a population of test
species (eg. guinea pigs)
LCLo and LDLo are the concentration and
dose levels at which the first death occured
Occupational Exposure Limits
(OEL’s)
TWA = Time Weighted Average (normally
worked out for an 8hr working day)
STEL = Short Term Exposure Limit (a
15minute limit)
IDHL = Limit which is immediately
dangerous to health
From MSDS What else do you
need to know?
Does the substance burn?
What happens when it burns?
Ignition Sources eg
• Cigs, Open flames, Spark producing
tools/switches, heaters, pilot lights, mobile
phones, static
Is it reactive?
Ventilation requirements?
Effects from Exposure to Chemical
Depends on:
frequency of use
duration of use
quantity
effectiveness of existing control
measures
PPE
method of application
Individual susceptibility
What PPE??
PPE on MSDS assumes heavy
contamination, worst case scenario
CONSIDER
quantity you use
method of application
concentration
availability of engineering
controls
What else on the MSDS?
Where to store?
How to dispose?
EMERGENCY
If Spilt?
If involved in a fire?
If over-exposed?
DILUTION
Reference: