5.(a) List FOUR examples of materials on board a vessel for which a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) should be supplied.(4)
(b) List SIX items of information that could be obtained from a MSDS.(6)
Examples of materials commonly found on board a vessel that would require a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
Fuels and Oils:
- Fuel Oil: Heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine diesel oil (MDO), and other fuels used for propulsion and power generation.
- Lubricating Oil: Engine oil, hydraulic oil, and other lubricants used in various machinery and systems.
- Other Oils: Cutting oil, transformer oil, and other specialty oils used for specific purposes.
Chemicals and Hazardous Substances:
- Cleaning Chemicals: Detergents, degreasers, solvents, and other cleaning agents used in various areas of the ship.
- Paints and Coatings: Paints, thinners, primers, and other coatings used for maintenance and preservation of the vessel’s structure and equipment.
- Batteries: Lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, or other types used for emergency power, navigation equipment, or other systems.
- Gases: Compressed gases like oxygen, acetylene, or refrigerants, used for various purposes on board.
- Chemicals for Water Treatment: Chemicals used for treating ballast water, drinking water, or sewage.
Cargo-Related Materials:
- Dangerous Goods: Any cargo classified as dangerous goods under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, such as flammable liquids, explosives, or toxic substances, will have associated MSDSs.
- Bulk Cargo Residues: Residues from bulk cargoes, especially those with potential hazards, like coal dust or grain, may require MSDSs.
Other Materials:
- Asbestos: Older vessels may still contain asbestos in insulation or other materials. MSDSs are crucial for safe handling and removal procedures.
- Refrigerants: Various refrigerants used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems may have associated MSDSs.
- Welding and Cutting Gases: Gases used for welding and cutting operations, such as oxygen and acetylene, require MSDSs for safe handling and storage.
Importance of MSDSs:
- Hazard Identification: MSDSs provide crucial information about the potential hazards associated with each material, including health risks, flammability, reactivity, and environmental impact.
- Safe Handling and Storage: They outline safe handling procedures, storage requirements, and emergency response measures in case of spills, leaks, or accidents.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): They specify the necessary PPE, such as gloves, respirators, or eye protection, required when handling the material.
- First Aid and Medical Information: They provide guidance on first aid measures and medical treatment in case of exposure or injury.
- Regulatory Compliance: Carrying and readily accessing MSDSs is a regulatory requirement under various maritime safety and environmental conventions, such as the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and MARPOL Annex II.
By providing essential information about hazardous materials onboard, MSDSs play a crucial role in promoting the safety and health of seafarers, preventing accidents, and protecting the marine environment.
Information that could be obtained from a MSDS
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides critical information about a chemical or hazardous material to ensure its safe handling, storage, and use. Here are some key items of information you can typically find on an MSDS:
1. The purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
1. Identification:
- Product Identifier: The name of the chemical or product, including any synonyms or trade names. 1. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Information – Environmental Health & Safety – University of Toronto ehs.utoronto.ca
- Manufacturer/Supplier Information: Contact details of the manufacturer, importer, or supplier, including address, phone number, and emergency contact information. 1. Understanding a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) www.ccohs.ca
- Recommended Use and Restrictions: The intended use of the material and any restrictions on its use.
2. Hazard Identification:
- Hazard Classification: Classification of the material according to relevant hazard categories, such as flammable, toxic, corrosive, or environmentally hazardous.
- Signal Word: A word indicating the relative level of hazard, such as “Danger” or “Warning.” 1. CCOHS: WHMIS – Safety Data Sheet (SDS) www.ccohs.ca
- Hazard Statements: Standardized phrases describing the nature and severity of the hazards posed by the material. 1. WHMIS – Labels – CCOHS www.ccohs.ca
- Precautionary Statements: Recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects from exposure to the material. 1. Hazard statements, precautionary statements and signal words – HSE www.hse.gov.uk
3. Composition/Information on Ingredients:
- Chemical Identity: The chemical name and CAS number (Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number) of each hazardous ingredient. 1. Understanding a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) www.ccohs.ca
- Concentration or Concentration Range: The percentage or range of concentration of each hazardous ingredient in the mixture.
4. First-Aid Measures:
- Description of Necessary First-Aid Measures: Instructions on what to do in case of eye contact, skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion of the material. 1. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Explained – UCSD Blink blink.ucsd.edu
- Most Important Symptoms/Effects, Acute and Delayed: Description of the immediate and long-term health effects that may result from exposure.
- Indication of Immediate Medical Attention and Special Treatment Needed: Information on when to seek medical attention and any specific treatments required.
5. Firefighting Measures:
- Suitable Extinguishing Media: Recommendations on the appropriate firefighting agents to use for different types of fires involving the material. 1. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Explained – UCSD Blink blink.ucsd.edu
- Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Information on any special fire hazards, such as the release of toxic gases or the potential for explosion.
- Special Protective Equipment and Precautions for Firefighters: Guidance on the protective equipment and precautions firefighters should take when dealing with a fire involving the material.
6. Accidental Release Measures:
- Personal Precautions, Protective Equipment, and Emergency Procedures: Instructions on how to respond to spills or leaks, including evacuation procedures, PPE requirements, and containment and cleanup methods. 1. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Explained – UCSD Blink blink.ucsd.edu
- Environmental Precautions: Measures to prevent the material from entering the environment, such as containing spills and preventing contamination of waterways.
- Methods and Materials for Containment and Cleaning Up: Specific guidance on how to contain and clean up spills, including the use of absorbent materials, neutralizing agents, or other appropriate methods. 1. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Explained – UCSD Blink blink.ucsd.edu
7. Handling and Storage:
- Precautions for Safe Handling: Safe handling practices to minimize exposure, such as using appropriate ventilation, avoiding contact with skin and eyes, and using proper personal hygiene. 1. Safety Data Sheets: What is an SDS? – Vector Solutions www.vectorsolutions.com
- Conditions for Safe Storage, Including Any Incompatibilities: Recommendations on storage conditions, including temperature, ventilation, and segregation from incompatible materials.
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection:
- Occupational Exposure Limits: Information on permissible exposure limits (PELs) or other exposure guidelines. 1. Permissible Exposure Limits – Annotated Tables | Occupational Safety and Health … – OSHA www.osha.gov
- Appropriate Engineering Controls: Recommendations on engineering controls, such as ventilation systems or isolation measures, to minimize exposure.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Specifies the type of PPE required for handling the material, such as gloves, respirators, eye protection, or protective clothing. 1. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Explained – UCSD Blink blink.ucsd.edu
9. Physical and Chemical Properties:
- Appearance, Odor, and Other Physical Properties: Description of the material’s appearance, odor, color, boiling point, melting point, density, and other relevant physical properties.
- Chemical Properties: Information on the material’s chemical properties, such as pH, flammability, reactivity, and stability. 1. The purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration www.osha.gov
10. Stability and Reactivity:
- Reactivity: Information on the material’s reactivity with other substances, including potential hazardous reactions. 1. Explanation of the Material Safety Data Sheet essr.umd.edu
- Chemical Stability: Indicates whether the material is stable under normal conditions of use and storage.
- Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Identifies conditions that may trigger hazardous reactions, such as heat, shock, or contact with incompatible materials.
- Conditions to Avoid: Lists conditions that should be avoided during handling and storage, such as high temperatures or open flames.
- Incompatible Materials: Identifies materials that should not be stored or mixed with the chemical due to potential reactions. 1. The MSDS HyperGlossary: Incompatible www.ilpi.com
- Hazardous Decomposition Products: Lists any hazardous substances that may be released during decomposition or combustion of the material. 1. Material Safety Data Sheet: Definition, Examples & Sections – Vaia www.vaia.com
11. Toxicological Information:
- Information on Toxicological Effects: Details the potential health effects of exposure to the material, including acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, and other relevant information. 1. Definition of safety data sheet – MSDS Europe www.msds-europe.com
12. Ecological Information:
- Ecotoxicity: Information on the material’s toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
- Persistence and Degradability: Indicates whether the material is persistent in the environment or readily biodegradable.
- Bioaccumulative Potential: Describes the potential for the material to accumulate in living organisms.
- Mobility in Soil: Information on the material’s ability to move through soil and potentially contaminate groundwater.
- Other Adverse Effects: Any other known or anticipated adverse effects on the environment.
13. Disposal Considerations:
- Waste Treatment Methods: Recommendations for safe and environmentally sound disposal methods, including any applicable regulations. 1. What is a Material Safety Data Sheet? | MSDS waste www.businesswaste.co.uk
14. Transport Information:
- UN Number and Proper Shipping Name: Identifies the material for transportation purposes.
- Transport Hazard Class: Indicates the hazard class assigned to the material for transportation. 1. Hazmat Transportation and Safety Data Sheets www.hazmatuniversity.com
- Packing Group: Specifies the packing group assigned to the material based on its degree of danger.
- Environmental Hazards: Identifies any environmental hazards associated with the material during transportation.
- Special Precautions for User: Any special precautions or instructions for transporting the material.
15. Regulatory Information:
- Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations Specific for the Product: Lists any specific regulations governing the use, handling, storage, and disposal of the material.
16. Other Information:
- Date of Preparation or Last Revision: Indicates when the MSDS was prepared or last updated. 1. CCOHS: WHMIS – Safety Data Sheet (SDS) www.ccohs.ca
- Disclaimer: A statement limiting the liability of the manufacturer or supplier for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.
By providing this comprehensive information, an MSDS serves as a vital reference for anyone handling, storing, or using hazardous materials. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions, implement appropriate safety measures, and respond effectively in case of emergencies, ultimately promoting a safe and healthy working environment.