What type of hazard does a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) address?

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), now commonly referred to as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), is designed to provide comprehensive information about a particular chemical substance or mixture. This includes details on the potential hazards associated with the chemical, safe handling practices, exposure limits, and necessary emergency measures.

Chemical hazards are the primary focus of an MSDS/SDS, as they outline the properties of the chemical, risks associated with its use, and the steps to mitigate those risks. The document is a vital resource in understanding how chemicals may pose risks to health and safety in various environments, such as workplaces.

While physical, biological, and ergonomic hazards are important aspects of health and safety, they are not the main focus of an MSDS. For instance, physical hazards may involve issues related to the physical state of a substance, such as flammability or reactivity, while biological hazards pertain to organisms that can affect human health. Ergonomic hazards involve physical conditions that may lead to musculoskeletal injuries, which is outside the scope of what an MSDS addresses. The MSDS is strictly focused on chemical hazards, including toxicity, flammability, and reactivity, thus making it pivotal for safety practices involving hazardous chemicals.