Guide to the safe handling of solvents in a bituminous ... - Aapaq.org

Appendix C - The management and interpretation ofMSDS (for bituminous products laboratories)1. IntroductionAlways review the chemical safety information, including the MSDS beforestarting to work with any new or unfamiliar cleaning product or chemical.MSDS provide information about precautions for protection against knownhazards associated with the material and often include useful informationon chemical, physical, and toxicological and ecological properties, alongwith suggestions for storing, transporting, and disposing of chemicals.MSDS are a general source of information, and they should be consultedas a first step in assessing the risk associated with using a product orchemical. However, because there is currently no mandated internationalstandard format for MSDS, their quality varies widely depending uponmanufacturer, and the information they contain may be inappropriate for allapplications. It should be noted, however, that there is a national standardfor MSDS as outlined in the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations,1995 9A, Handling of hazardous chemical substances.Exercise caution, and utilise non-MSDS sources of information, such as theinternet.(See also the list at the end of Glossary of Terms below). Neveruse a chemical product if there is doubt about how to handle or use it. Youshould always consult with your Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE)professionals if you have health, safety or environmental questions. Consultwith your supplier when you have application questions.2. Definitions of typical technical terms contained within an MSDS(local and international versions)action level - exposure level at which any specified exposure limit takeseffect;acute effect - involves severe symptoms which develop rapidly and mayquickly reach a crisis;acute exposure - a short-term exposure usually occurring at highconcentration;acute hazard - a single exposure that may cause harm, but which isunlikely to lead to permanent damage;88