How to read an MSDS sheet

[Tom Dunlap]

Last week I started a thread on a woodworking forum that I follow asking for a grocery list of solvents to have on hand in the workshop. The replies were very helpful.

Along the way hysteria and misinformation was shared. To clear up the misconceptions one poster suggested that everyone read the MSDS sheet for what they're using.

He started a separate thread to decode some of the chemistry-speak.

Here's the thread:

How to read an MSDS

 

[ginkobalboa]

You might already be aware that the whole Hazcom standard is changing which should make MSDS sheets (now just called SDS sheets) much more user friendly. Most reputable chemical producers have already made changes to their sheets to meet the new standard. Employees need to be trained on the new standard by the end of this year. Here's a link regarding the changes: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/