Hazardous Material Lawyers

MSDS Sheets

Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDS sheets, are documents regarding the physical properties of a chemical. According to the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), federal regulation 1910.1200, entitled Hazardous Communication, states:

The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are evaluated, and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. This transmittal of information is to be accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard communication programs, which are to include container labeling and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets and employee training.

The specific information that OSHA requires to be included in MSDA Sheets is information regarding:

• Identification of the substance, as well as any potential hazards that the substance poses
• Information regarding the makeup of the substance, including disclosure of the ingredients
• Measures that need to be taken against the substance in the event of misuse, such as those actions associated with first-aid measures, fire-fighting measures, and the necessary steps to be taken in the event of accidental release of the substance
• Handling and storage of the substance, as well as personal safety measures that need to be taken while handling or being within close proximity to the substance
• The physical and chemical properties of the substance, including the substance's stability, reactivity, toxicological and ecological information
• Disposal considerations, pertinent information regarding transport of the substance, regulatory information, and any other information that is deemed vital to the well-being of those working with the substance

Manufacturers are required to have MSDA Sheets pertaining to their chemicals and other harmful substances, but are not required to share the information with consumers. Though the vast majority of manufacturers or users of these substances are typically more than willing to share MSDS sheet information with consumers, some requests for the information may be less well received than others. Furthermore, employees that work with dangerous substances may request MSDS sheets, and should be able to access them at any given moment, even after the employee has ended their working relationship with the employer (employee records regarding exposure to dangerous chemicals must be held by employers for a period of 30 years after the employee ends his or her working relationship with the employer.)

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has experienced some sort of ailment, and an MSDS Sheet is not made available to you, please don't hesitate to contact the toxic illness attorneys at Anapol Schwartz. Our skilled toxic tort lawyers will examine the details of your case, and work towards acquiring the information you need to help combat your ailment. Call us today for a free consultation, and we will begin assisting you with your case.

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