Hard copies of MSDSs are available in the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Specific departmental chemicals can be located in that department's office.
CHEMTREC: Available 24 hours, MSDSs can be faxed on request. 1-800-424-9300
An important part of hazard communication at Boston College is the maintenance of Material Safety Data Sheets(MSDS). This is in accordance with OSHA requirements 29 CFR.1910.120 and 1910.1450. An MSDS must be readily available during each work shift to employees when they are in their work areas.
An MSDS is a detailed informational document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical. It describes the physical and chemical properties of the product. Information included in a Material Safety Data Sheet aids in the selection of safe products, personal protective equipment and spill control measures.
Some laboratories may synthesize or develop new chemical substances on occasion. If the composition of the substance is known and will be used exclusively in the laboratory, the laboratory worker must label the substance and determine, to the best of his/her abilities, the hazardous properties (e.g., corrosive, flammable, reactive, toxic, etc.).
This can often be done by comparing the structure of the new substance with the structure of similar materials with known hazardous properties. If the chemical produced is of unknown composition, it must be assumed to be hazardous, and appropriate precautions taken.
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