MATERIAL
SAFETY DATA SHEETS
Introduction
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is an informational document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical that describes its physical and chemical properties, its physical and hazards and recommended precautions for handling, storage and disposal. Click here to get Information on How to Read MSDS.
Below are several links to MSDS Web sites that you should find helpful. The first three Web sites can be accessed by Berkeley Lab employees or guests only.
If you are unable to find an MSDS for a particular material, contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s name and other contact information can normally be found on the container label. If you are still unable to find an MSDS, contact the EHS Industrial Hygienist assigned to your division for assistance.
Use these three sites as your primary source of hazard information:
Material Safety Data Sheets |
*new ChemWatch Material Safety Data Sheets |
http://www.ucmsds.com
UC ChemQuik
The University of California’s National Laboratories and campuses combined efforts and resources to create a one-stop source for chemical safety information. This search engine will continue to grow as UC routinely adds major chemical vendors into its integrated database.
To access this site, you must be connected through a recognized UC campus computer. |
http://lbnl.chemwatch.us/
ChemWatch
ChemWatch is a database containing detailed information for a vast number of chemicals. In addition to MSDSs, there are links to regulations and literature resources. It is also available in several languages. You must have Mozilla 1.7.3 (or greater) and you have to set Mozilla’s pop-up blocker to accept this Web site. |
Here’s how to download Mozilla from the Lab’s Web site:
- Go to the A-Z index. Open “Download Computer Software Licensed to LBNL.”
- Scroll to the last section entitled “Web/E-Mail Software.”
- Click on Mozilla for Windows.
- Follow installation instructions (your bookmarks, preferences, and address book will carry over).
Here’s how to set Mozilla’s pop-up blocker to accept the ChemWatch Web site:
- Open Mozilla.
- Open Preferences from Edit.
- Open Privacy & Security.
- Select Pop up Windows.
- Click “Allowed Sites” from the pop-up Windows screen.
- Enter “lbnl.chemwatch.us” in the space that prompts you to enter pop-ups.
- Click Add.
You are now ready to use ChemWatch.
Other Sources for MSDSs and Chemical Hazard Information
MSDSs for Janitorial and Household Products (e.g., cleaners, sorbents, disinfectants)
MSDS-Search
Links to all major online “free” MSDS databases
Interactive Learning Paradigms Incorporated (ILPI)
Site contains several “free” MSDS databases
Other Useful Sites for Chemical Safety Information
ChemFinder
Chemical and physical properties of chemicals.
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Presents key safety and health information for several hundred chemicals. Organized in an easy-to-read format.
NIOSH/OSHA/DOE Health Guidelines
Guidelines provide good summaries regarding the hazards and controls for approximately 150 chemicals. Links to other sources of hazard information are provided.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Laboratory Safety Committee
Contains a compilation of laboratory safety incidents and has links to other sites.
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