This article helps you understand the MSDS based on the UN’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). You’ll learn what to look for in each section of the MSDS and which details are most important for safety and compliance in chemical transportation and storage.

 

1. 1. What Is an MSDS and What Is It For?

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a technical document that provides essential safety information about chemical products. It includes chemical names and ingredients, physical and chemical properties, usage guidelines, emergency response procedures, and hazard control measures.

An MSDS is typically intended for professionals such as factory operators, lab engineers, ISO tank drivers, marine chemical transport crew, healthcare workers, and firefighters—not general consumers. Chemical suppliers are legally obligated to provide the MSDS and ensure it is visibly accessible in the workplace or on transport containers such as ISO tanks or drums.

Further Reading : What Is an ISO Tank and What Is It Used For? A Complete Guide to ISO Tank Types, Sizes, Capacities, and Loading Ratios

(1) Communicate Potential Hazards

The MSDS helps users understand basic chemical properties and potential risks—e.g., flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness, carcinogenicity, and environmental hazards. Suppliers must include the corresponding GHS hazard pictograms.

(2) Usage Precautions and Emergency Measures

It outlines safe handling, transport, and storage instructions. It also details leak management, fire-fighting methods, and first aid procedures.

(3) IMDG Compliance

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) governs the international transport of hazardous chemicals by sea. According to this regulation, Section 14 of the MSDS must include detailed transport information if the chemical qualifies as a dangerous good. This includes:

• UN Number (UN No.) : A four-digit identifier assigned by the United Nations to classify hazardous substances and articles.
• Hazard Class (Class No.) : Indicates the primary danger of the substance (e.g., flammable liquids, toxic substances).
• Marine Pollutant Status : Specifies whether the substance is classified as a marine pollutant (Yes/No).
• Packing Group : Reflects the level of hazard (I = high, II = medium, III = low).

In addition to listing these items in the MSDS, the transport containers—such as ISO tank containers—must be clearly labeled with hazard warning placards (“hazmat labels”) that reflect the UN number and hazard class.

Example
Acrylonitrile (UN No. 1093) is classified under Class 3 (flammable liquids) and Class 6.1 (toxic substances), and is a marine pollutant. Its ISO tank must carry Class 3 and 6.1 hazard labels and marine pollutant markings—three types of labels on four sides, totalling 12 hazard signs. These placards serve as visual alerts to all handling personnel, customs agents, port authorities, and emergency responders.

Further Reading : What Are Dangerous Goods? A Quick Guide to Hazard Classification and Transport Regulations

 

 

 

2. What Sections Are Included in an MSDS?

(1) Identification

• Product name and aliases
• Recommended use and restrictions
• Supplier/manufacturer name, address, phone/fax
• Emergency contact info

(2) Hazard Identification

• Hazard classification and label elements
• GHS pictograms (e.g., skull, flame)
• Warning level
• Hazard statements and precautionary statements
• Other risks (e.g., dust explosions, or other risks not specified with GHS pictograms)

(3) Composition/Ingredient Information

• Chemical nature (pure/mixture)
• Hazardous ingredients with names, CAS numbers, and concentration percentages

(4) First-Aid Measures

• Response based on exposure route
• The most severe symptoms and their effects
• Protection for first responders
• Advice for physicians

(5) Fire-Fighting Measures

• Suitable and unsuitable extinguishing agents
• Potential hazards during fire-fighting (e.g., toxic gases, risk of explosion)
• Special fire-fighting procedures
• Protective equipment for fire crews

(6) Accidental Release Measures

• Personal precautions

• Environmental precautions
• Clean-up methods

(7) Handling and Storage

• Handling guidelines
• Storage conditions

(8) Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

• Engineering controls (to minimize exposure)
• Exposure limits (TWA – Time Weighted Average, STEL – Short Term Exposure Limit, Ceiling, BEIs – Biological Exposure Indices)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1. Respiratory protection
2. Hand protection
3. Eye protection
4. Skin and body protection
5. Environmental exposure controls

• Sanitary measures (e.g., wash hands after handling, avoid eating/drinking/smoking during use)

(9) Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance (color and physical state)
• Odor
• Odor Threshold
• PH Value
• Melting Point
• Boiling Point
• Flash Point
• Decomposition Temperature
• Auto-ignition Temperature
• Explosion Limits
• Vapor Pressure
• Vapor Density
• Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
• Solubility
• N-Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient (Log Kow)
• Evaporation Rate

(10) Stability and Reactivity

• Chemical stability and reactivity
• Incompatible materials
• Potential danger under special circumstances
• Hazardous decomposition products
• Avoidance conditions (heat, impact, static, etc.)

(11) Toxicological Information

• Exposure routes
• Physical/chemical/toxicological symptoms
• Acute and chronic toxicity data

(12) Ecological Information

• Ecotoxicity
• Persistence/degradability
• Bioaccumulation
• Soil mobility
• PBT/vPvB assessments
• Other adverse effects

(13) Disposal Considerations

• Description and Classification of Waste
• Safe Waste Handling Procedures
• Waste Disposal Methods
• Disposal of Contaminated Packaging

(14) Transport Information

• UN number and proper shipping name
• Transport hazard class and packaging group
• Marine pollutant status
• Special precautions

(15) Regulatory Information

• Occupational safety and operational regulations
• Applicable safety, health, and environmental regulations

 

(16) Other Information

• References
• Author, issue date, revision notes
• Remarks

3. Which MSDS Details Require Extra Attention?

(1) Some MSDS Data May Be Omitted

For confidentiality, manufacturers might only list approximate concentration ranges or omit sensitive production details. If in doubt, cross-reference with literature or external databases.

(2) Some Products Don’t Require an MSDS

Per Taiwan’s “Regulations for the Labeling and Hazard Communication of Hazardous Chemicals”, the following are exempt:

• Fire extinguishers
• Manufactured articles
• Industrial waste
• Tobacco and products
• Intermediates in reaction vessels
• Food, drinks, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics
• Household goods for non-industrial use
• Other government-exempt categories

(3) MSDS Must Be Regularly Updated

According to Article 15 of Taiwan’s “Regulations for the Labeling and Hazard Communication of Hazardous Chemicals”, chemical suppliers must review MSDS content every 3 years. Updates should reflect new experimental data, toxicity studies, or regulatory changes. The version date must be updated and shared with partners.

Also, make sure the MSDS complies with local/regional laws:

• Taiwan : CNS15030 / Regulations for the Labeling and Hazard Communication of Hazardous Chemicals
• China : GB 30000
• USA : Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
• EU : REACH / CLP

 

Published Date : February 4, 2025