Always review the chemical safety information, such as the MSDS before starting work with a new or unfamiliar chemical.
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
The California Hazard Communication Standard requires that hazardous materials manufacturers and distributors provide users with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). An MSDS provides health and safety information about the hazardous material which includes physical and chemical hazards, toxicity, health effects, emergency procedures, reactivity, storage, handling, disposal and protective equipment. MSDSs are the best general source of information available, and should be consulted as a first step in assessing the associated risk with doing an experiment. Users need to familiarize themselves with this information and have access to MSDS's while working.
Where can I obtain an MSDS?
- From the vender (material specific).
- The University
of California - MSDS Management System - http://www.ucmsds.com
- Set your browser to allow popups from this url (if you have popup blocking enabled).
- Cookies must be allowed from this site.
- Contact EH&S at 949-824-6200 or e-mail to request an MSDS or for technical assistance.
- Purchase of software:
Most major chemical vendors such as Sigma-Aldrich offer MSDS databases on CD-ROM. Other vendors such as Solutions Software offer generic MSDS data at a lower price. - TOMES
Other Hazardous Materials Safety Information Resources