Hazard Communication Supports Safe Use and Handling
Solvents Industry Group producers have been providing safe handling information to their customers for many years. For example, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide information about health effects data, workplace exposure limits, use of protective clothing when appropriate, various environmental regulatory requirements, and techniques for managing flammability.
An MSDS provides:
- Information on the potential hazards, how to protect against them, and steps to take in an emergency
- Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) and Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)
- Handling, storage, transportation, spills, and disposal advice
- Regulatory information such as OSHA classification and labeling
Where appropriate, an MSDS for certain hydrocarbon and oxygenated solvents displays information on:
- Flammability hazards
- Irritation to skin and eyes
- Lung aspiration hazard if accidentally swallowed
An MSDS can be obtained upon request from the solvent supplier.
In addition, containers are labeled with appropriate hazard warning information. Similarly, during transportation, appropriate Hazard Communication (HazCom) signs and labels are used on trucks, tank cars, containers, and during marine transportation.
