What is content of MSDS or Material Safety and Data Sheet ?

It is recommended that the information in an MSDS should be presented in 16 sections and in the order shown below :

Section 1:   Identification –

Includes the product or the mixture name or identity .To include the manufacturer or distributor’s trade name, address, phone number; emergency phone number; recommended use and restrictions on use as it appears in the IBC Code ( for chemical tankers) or most recent edition of MEPC.2/ Circular.

Section 2: Hazard(s) identification –

Includes all hazards associated with the product.

Section 3: Composition/information on ingredients –

Includes information on chemical ingredients, water content, any inhibitors and denaturing agents which may be present.

Section 4: First aid measures –

Includes important symptoms and effects, acute or delayed symptoms with recommended or required treatment.

Section 5: Fire-fighting measures –

Lists suitable extinguishing media and techniques, equipment, and specific chemical hazards arising from fire.

Section 6: Accidental release measures –

Lists emergency procedures, protective equipment, and proper methods of containment and clean up.

Section 7: Handling and storage –

Lists precautions for safe handling and storage of cargoes, including incompatibilities with other cargoes/products (e.g. by reference to the use of the USCG Compatibility Chart).

Section 8: Exposure controls/personal protection –

Lists Threshold Limit Values (TlVs), means of vapour detection, appropriate controls, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Section 9: Physical and chemical properties –

Lists the physical and chemical characteristics of the substance including viscosity and boiling point where appropriate.

Section 10: Stability and reactivity –

Lists chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions.

Section 11: Toxicological information –

Includes routes of exposure, related symptoms, acute andchronic effects, and numerical measures of toxicity.

Section 12: Ecological information –

Includes ecotoxicity, persistence and degradability, bioaccumulation potential, and mobility in soil.

Section 13: Disposal considerations –

Description of wastes and information on their safe handling and methods of disposal. It should be noted that Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 regulates discharge of residues of chemical liquids transported in bulk.( for chemical tankers)

Section 14: Transport information –

Hazardous Materials or Dangerous Goods shipping information:

• The IMDG Code –

Transport information includes: UN Number; Proper Shipping Name; Transport Hazard Class; Packing Group; Environmental Hazards. This information covers transport of packaged goods (e.g. drums, boxes, containers and portable tanks).

Section 15: Regulatory information –

 Safety, health and environmental regulations specific to the product.

Section 16: Other information –

Includes the date of preparation or last revision.