It is absolutely essential for employees to prioritise safety measures, particularly when handling complex materials. Without awareness of the health risks associated with exposure to specific substances, employees face a heightened risk of injury or illness. 

Serving as comprehensive documents detailing the properties, hazards, and handling procedures of hazardous substances, a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of workers and the environment. From industrial settings to laboratories, these sheets provide vital information on the safe storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals. Find out more below.

What exactly is a material safety data sheet?

MSDS provides important details on a chemical’s composition and physical attributes, aiming to inform about potential hazards, risks, and health impacts. It highlights the likely health effects resulting from exposure and provides mitigation strategies. 

Additionally, MSDS offers guidance on precautions for safe chemical handling, specifying necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Notably, it outlines proper storage conditions, including the requisite materials, temperature considerations, and storage location. 

In essence, MSDS serves as a comprehensive guide, equipping employees with essential information to handle chemicals safely and minimise risks associated with their usage.

Which substances do material safety data sheets need to be provided for? 

Material safety data sheets must be provided for the following substances:

• Chemicals classified as hazardous following Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP). 
• Substances meeting the criteria as persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) or very persistent very bioaccumulative (vPvB) to the environment under REACH. 
• Substances which appear on ECHA’s Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) for a reason other than either of the two points above. 
• Mixtures (upon request of the downstream user/ distributor) which themselves are not classified under CLP but which contain at least one substance that is: 
  • Classified as hazardous to health or the environment above concentration limits set out in Article 31(3) of REACH 
  •  A PBT or vPvB at a concentration ≥0.1% w/w 
  • On the Candidate List of SVHCs at a concentration ≥0.1% w/w for a reason other than either of the two points above 
  • Assigned an EU limit value for exposure at the workplace (OELV)

What information do material safety data sheets include?

MSDS contain comprehensive information crucial for safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals. The key components include:

1. Chemical identity: Name, synonyms, and chemical formula.
2. Hazard identification: Physical and health hazards, such as flammability, toxicity, and reactivity.
3. Composition/ingredients: Chemical components and their concentrations.
4. First aid measures: Procedures for treating exposure, ingestion, or inhalation.
5. Fire-fighting measures: Fire hazards and appropriate extinguishing methods.
6. Accidental release measures: Procedures for containing spills and cleanup.
7. Handling and storage: Safe handling practices and storage conditions.
8. Exposure controls/personal protection: Recommended protective equipment and exposure limits.
9. Physical and chemical properties: Information on appearance, odour, and stability.
10. Toxicological information: Health effects of exposure and routes of entry.
11. Ecological information: Potential environmental impacts.
12. Disposal considerations: Proper disposal methods and regulations.
13. Regulatory information: Compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
14. Other information: Date of preparation, revision, and contact information for the manufacturer or supplier.

Why are material safety data sheets important?

Material safety data sheets are vital documents that provide essential information about the properties, hazards, and safe handling procedures of chemicals. They play a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety by equipping employees with the knowledge necessary to mitigate risks associated with chemical exposure. By detailing potential hazards, such as toxicity, flammability, and reactivity, MSDS enables workers to take appropriate precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. 

Additionally, MSDS outline emergency response procedures, aiding in swift and effective action during spills, leaks, or other incidents. These sheets are also instrumental in compliance with regulatory requirements, which mandate employers to provide employees with access to MSDS for hazardous chemicals present in the workplace. 

Overall, MSDS serve as invaluable tools in safeguarding human health, environmental integrity, and regulatory compliance in various industries and settings.

Who uses material safety data sheets?

Typically, anyone who comes into contact with, or uses a product should have access to MSDS. This includes:

1. Manufacturers
2. Suppliers (of raw materials or finished products)
3. Importers dealing with products from overseas
4. Distributors managing products within a specific country or region
5. Retailers catering to consumer sales

What material safety data sheets do we supply at Bachem?

At Bachem, we provide MSDS in accordance with European Union regulations stipulated by Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP). Our MSDS offer comprehensive information on our products, including physicochemical properties, potential hazards, handling instructions, protective measures, transportation guidelines, storage requirements, waste disposal methods and accident procedures. These documents mean that users have access to essential safety information, allowing you to handle our products responsibly and mitigate risks effectively.

Conclusion 

Advance your peptide and oligonucleotide projects with confidence. Whether you’re seeking high-quality peptides or precision-engineered oligonucleotides, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact Bachem today to explore our comprehensive solutions tailored to your development needs.