Page 509 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

SAFETY 14.7
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

The right-to-know law protects employees from exposure to dangerous or hazardous
chemicals. This law requires material safety data sheets to be published by every manu-
facturer of such materials and to be provided to all employers for distribution to employ-
ees. These data sheets must be readily available at every project, for review by employees
to educate themselves on dangers of the material’s use and risks to health. Specific safety
and handling requirements to ensure the safe and proper material usage are also included.
These safety data sheets have a specific standard (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200) and must
include the following information:

● Manufacturer’s name and address
● Chemical name and family
● Any hazardous ingredients in the material
● Physical properties
● Fire and explosive data
● Health hazard data
● Reactivity data
● Spillage or leak procedures
● Protection information
● Special precautions
Figure 14.5 is a reproduced MSDS sheet using the standard Occupational Safety and
Health Administration form 1218-0072. It specifically itemizes the requirements of 29
CFR 1910.1200 in a standard form that allows manufacturers to merely “fill in the blanks.”
Figure 14.6 details a customized MSDS sheet that still complies with 29 CFR 1910.1200.
All safety precautions listed on sheets must be complied with. OSHA inspectors will
not only inspect usage compliance but also ensure that data sheets are available to all
employees. Appropriate protection for employees handling hazardous materials must be
provided (Fig. 14.7).
Should an accident occur involving a hazardous material, data sheets are given to doc-
tors treating the patient. This allows review of the material’s chemical composition and of
appropriate treatment options. Additionally, should a material spill or leak at a job site,
data sheets provide steps to be taken and means for proper disposal.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Any organization that generates hazardous waste must register with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and receive an EPA identification number. The EPA
issues regulations that monitor the use, storage, transfer, shipping, or disposal of hazardous
waste. This agency conducts on-site inspections and is authorized to enforce and prosecute
firms or employees that do not comply with such regulations. Recently OSHA has agreed