Safety Manual - Spms

SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
LABORATORY SAFETY MANUAL
9.0 CHEMICAL SAFETY
9.1 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
9.1.1 Introduction
In our laboratories, hundreds of chemicals are in use on any given day.
Many chemicals will cause poisoning if breathed in, contacted with skin
or ingested. Inappropriate handling may lead to fire or even an
explosion. Hence it is vital for all lab users to be familiar with the
hazards and control procedures of the chemicals before use so as to
minimize possible adverse impact.
SDS is a form of data that contains information pertaining to the
characteristics and properties of that substance. The SDS provides
workers and safety representatives with information to safety handle/
manage the risk(s) from hazardous substance exposure. It is therefore
important for all at the workplace to be able interpret a SDS.
SDS format varies from source to source depending on
manufacturers/suppliers. It contains information such as emergency and
first aid handling procedures, melting point, boiling point, flash point,
toxicology, reactivity, stability, storage, disposal considerations,
transport and regulatory information, spill handling procedures and
protective equipment to be used.
- All chemicals purchased must come with the SDS.
- All lab users should know how and where they can access
manufacturer/ supplier specific SDS for the chemical they work with.
- All lab users MUST READ THE SDS and understand the
characteristics of the chemical/substance BEFORE USE.
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 29