Material Safety Data Sheets

Material Safety Data Sheet, often referred to by its acronym MSDS, is a detailed informational document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical which describes the physical and chemical properties of the product. Information included in a Material Safety Data Sheet aids in the selection of safe products, helps employers and employees understand the potential health and physical hazards of a chemical and describes how to respond effectively to exposure situations, It should be noted that the health and safety guidance in the Material Safety Data Sheet often addresses the worst case situation which would be more relevant to a major industrial accident or tank car spill than to a laboratory. The Material Data Safety Sheet is not always helpful in selecting appropriate safeguards in the laboratory. If you have questions about handling or protecting yourself from a particular chemical, contact the Office of Environmental Health & Safety or your supervisor.

Links to non-OEHS sites are presented as a convenience. The Office of Environmental Health & Safety is not responsible for the information at these sites and, Yale University, nor any of its agents are liable for the accuracy, or inaccuracy of the MSDS's in the listed collections. You assume the liability for the use of any part of any one of these Material Safety Data Sheets.