Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Manufacturers and suppliers of chemicals and chemical products are required to provide Material Safety Data Sheets. They typically contain a list of hazardous components, physical and chemical characteristics, data about fire and explosion hazards, information on the effects of exposure and treatment, and recommendations for safe handling, first aid and spill cleanup procedures.

Australian law requires that MSDS be written in the approved Australian format, which is shorter and more readable than the North American style, which tends to include every conceivable hazard. However, they are typically written for chemical industry, which uses chemicals in large containers, e.g. 200 litre drums and 12,000 litre tankers.

Monash University subscribes to the on-line MSDS database, CHEMWATCH, that can be accessed via the Occupational Health and Safety Chemical Safety Information website.