• A hazardous chemical is one that poses a physical or health threat, according to OSHA Standard 1910.1200 (the OSHA Haz-com standard).
Health Hazard
According to OSHA, A health hazard due to any chemical is classified based on its potential to create one of the following
hazardous effects on a person: Acute toxicity, skin corrosion or irritation, substantial eye damage or irritation, respiratory or
skin sensitization, carcinogenicity, specific target organ toxicity, etc
Physical Hazard
A substance that is scientifically proven to be a flammable liquid, compressed gas,
explosive, flammable, organic peroxide, oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive),
or water-reactive is classified as a physical hazard.
MSDS Relevance
Material safety data sheets (MSDS) provide you the exact information you need to understand and manage the risks associated
with a specific chemical/material. Read the MSDS sheet carefully before using a hazardous chemical for the first time or any time
for which you are unsure about the hazards associated with the chemical and necessary precautions to be taken before handling.
The MSDS can drastically help in in understanding the characteristic of the chemical and hence reduce the risks associated with
the materials in your workplace.