USING & INTERPRETING
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
(MSDSs)
MSDS Student Study Guide
by
Dr. Sandra S. West
RATIONALE: The Texas Hazard Communication Act has established that beginning January 1, 1986 (& revised in 1993) all schools must:
1. post the Texas Hazard Communication Act in all schools and
2. provide training for all employees prior to using hazardous chemical (s).
This act states that school personnel must maintain an MSDS file for all hazardous chemicals (except FDA approved foods and cosmetics) and use the information to practice the safe use and storage of hazardous chemicals.
OBJECTIVE: The students will be able to read and interpret the information on an MSDS.
MATERIALS: MSDS Answer Sheet (pages A1, A2)
MSDS on Ethyl Alcohol(pages B1, B2, B3)
MSDS on Hydrochloric Acid (page C)
PROCEDURE:
1. Read and interpret the information on an MSDS on Ethyl Alcohol
A. To complete the blanks on the MSDS Answer Sheet (page A1, A2), use the information given on the original MSDS on Ethyl Alcohol (page B1, B2) .
(1) Name/Chemical Product & Company Identification
(2) hazards identification
(3) First Aid Measures
(4) Fire fighting Measures
(5) Accidental Release Measures
(6) Handling and Storage
(7) Exposure Control/Personal Protection
(8) Physical and Chemical Properties
(9) Stability and Reactivity
(10) Toxicological Information
B. Why do you think that the above information is available on an MSDS?
C. What number "Disposal Method" is the best disposal process for this chemical? (see page B3, Flinn Method)
D. Read the disposal method (B3) and answer the following question:
Can this chemical be emptied into a septic system or storm sewer ?
2. Interpret an MSDS (page C or any MSDS from a different company)
A. What is the name and chemical formula of this chemical?
B. What must avoid contact with this chemical?
C. How long must a person flush the eyes with water if this chemical comes in contact with or gets into the eyes?
D. What conditions must be avoided with this chemical?
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