What Should Be Included in an MSDS Document and What Do They Mean?

When shipping hazardous or potentially hazardous products, the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) document requested must include information such as the composition of the material, how the shipment should be packaged, and the steps to be followed in possible emergency situations. Accordingly, we will explain the sections that must be included in an MSDS document and the meanings of these sections.

What Must Be Included in an MSDS Document

The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) consists of 16 main headings and 48 subheadings. The main headings included in the document and their descriptions are as follows:

1. Identification of the Substance/Mixture and of the Company/Undertaking:
   Includes the name of the chemical-containing product, its intended use, supplier company information, and emergency contact details.

2. Hazard Identification:
   Describes the hazards posed by the product, for example, statements such as “may cause skin sensitization.”

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients:
   Contains general information about the chemical substances included in the material.

4. First Aid Measures:
   Specifies first aid procedures to be applied in case of exposure, actions that should and should not be taken, and information to be provided to medical personnel.

5. Firefighting Measures:
   Provides information on protective measures against fire risks and fire extinguishing methods and procedures in the event of a fire.

6. Accidental Release Measures:
   Describes intervention methods and safety precautions to be taken if the chemical substance spreads into the environment or populated areas as a result of an accident.

7. Handling and Storage:
   Covers precautions to be taken during storage and stacking, storage class, and storage conditions.

8. Exposure Controls / Personal Protection:
   Includes information on occupational exposure limit values, required risk management measures, mandatory personal protective equipment, protection methods, and health precautions.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties:
   Describes the physical and chemical properties of the substance, such as color, odor, appearance, solubility, and density.

10. Stability and Reactivity:
    Provides information about harmful reactions that the material may cause during use or if released into the environment.

11. Toxicological Information:
    Includes information on toxic effects that may occur through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or eye contact.

12. Ecological Information:
    Addresses the environmental impacts of the substance or mixture if released into the environment.

13. Disposal Considerations:
    Provides guidance on precautions to be taken once the material becomes waste or garbage.

14. Transport Information:
    Presents basic classification information required for transporting substances or mixtures by road, rail, sea, or air.

15. Regulatory Information:
    Must include product symbols and their explanations, R (risk) phrases and descriptions, S (safety) phrases and descriptions, and substances affecting classification.

16. Other Information:
    Includes sources used in preparing the MSDS, personal and certification details of the person who prepared the safety data sheet, and MSDS revision information.

To have an MSDS prepared and to access detailed information about what must be included in an MSDS document, please contact us.