What is the main purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?

The main purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which is now typically referred to as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), is to outline the properties and hazards of materials, along with detailed information on safe handling practices. An MSDS provides critical information, including the chemical's identity, potential hazards, safe handling guidelines, emergency measures, and information on how to properly store and dispose of the substance.

This comprehensive documentation is essential for ensuring the safety and protection of workers, emergency responders, and the environment. It serves as a key tool for identifying risks associated with particular chemicals and instructs users on appropriate precautions and first-aid measures in case of exposure or accidents. By providing this detailed framework, the MSDS assists in fostering a safe working environment where hazardous materials are involved.

Other options, while containing elements relevant to safety, do not encompass the full scope or primary function of an MSDS. General safety tips are helpful, but they do not provide the thorough and specific guidance that an MSDS offers. Warning symbols are part of the safety communication but do not convey the comprehensive details necessary for safe handling. Emergency contacts are useful, yet they are just one aspect of the broader safety information found within an MSDS.