Safety Data Sheets (SDS), formerly called Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), provide valuable information on chemicals as well as procedures for handling and working with a chemical safely. The SDS includes information such as physical data (boiling point, flash point, etc.), health effects, toxicity, first aid, storage, disposal, personal protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures.
The manufacturer or distributor of a chemical product must provide safety data sheets (SDS) to the purchaser with the initial shipment of a product/hazardous chemical and with each update of the SDS. Safety data sheets will either accompany or precede the shipment or may be available online. The Safety Administrative Management (SAM) system includes an SDS library associate with a laboratories chemical inventory. Alternatively, SDS can be printed out and kept in a clearly identified binder in the lab – Include an index at the beginning of the SDS section of the binder. The manufacturer or distributor is not required to send an SDS with subsequent orders of the same product. Many manufacturers will provide up to date SDS via a website.
Mallinckrodt Laboratory Chemicals
International Agency for Research on Cancer
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Interactive Learning Paradigms, Inc. (Search databases, chemical suppliers, and learn about MSDS)
Note: Some companies may require initial registration before you can access the SDS online.
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