Learning to Read a MSDS ©

Chemicals are a part of our daily lives--home, work, school, and community. Except for FDA approved food and cosmetics, every chemical is required to have a manufacturer's produced Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS is used in the required education for the safe use of hazardous chemicals as required for all employees by OSHA or Hazard Communication Acts in all states.

RATIONALE: The Texas Hazard Communication Act has established that beginning January 1, 1986 and 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: Interpret and gather information from an MSDS to follow safe handling procedures of a given substance.

PROCEDURE: Read and interpret the information in an MSDS on Alcohol using computer assisted instruction.

1. Read the lower window which displays an MSDS on Alcohol. Click on the arrows in the right side frame to scroll the information.

2. Answer questions displayed in the upper window. Use the mouse to click on the correct response. A correct response will display the next question. You will be notified of an incorrect response and returned to the question to try again.

3. Completion of this assignment will prepare you for the safety quiz you will receive in class. You may repeat this assignment as many times as needed.

4. To begin the study guide click on the blue word "Next" as shown below.

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Developed by Dr. Sandra S. West, Joy T. Jones, Emil F. Lazzeri, Southwest Texas State University. Please do not copy without credit given to author.