3. Finding Chemical Hazard Information

3.1) Introduction: No one should work with a chemical substance without clearly understanding the chemical's hazards (see Section 1 – Chemical Hazards Overview) and taking measures to control the hazards (see Section 2 – Principles for Controlling Chemical Hazards). Information on a chemical's hazards can be found through a number of sources.

3.2) Labels: Labels are written or printed materials displayed on, or affixed to, containers of hazardous chemicals to provide an immediate warning of a chemical's main potential hazard. Federal law requires that they contain at a bare minimum: an identification of the contents of the container; a name and address of the manufacturer, distributor, importer or other responsible party, and an appropriate hazard warning (i.e. poison, flammable, oxidizer, etc.).

In addition to the required information, many manufacturers, distributors and importers may include supplementary information including: recommended protective apparel; safe handling procedures, first aid procedures, physical data, storage requirements, etc. Since this additional information is not required by law, the amount of information and the way it is presented varieties considerably. However, most auxiliary information is self explanatory.

Because of minimal legal labeling requirements and their finite size, labels have a limited capacity for supplying hazard information. Therefore, it is almost always necessary to search further for additional chemical hazard information. That is why there are Material Safety Data Sheets.

3.3) Material Safety Data Sheets: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) are documents which provide more in-depth information regarding the chemical's potential hazards and information on how one should protect themselves from these hazards. Federal law requires that they be produced by chemical manufacturers, distributors, importers or other responsible parties, and supplied to their chemical users.

MSDS's are typically divided into nine sections which include the following details: product identification, ingredient information, physical data, fire and explosion hazard data, health hazard data, reactivity data, spill or leak procedures, special protection information, and special precautions (see Section 4.3 – Guide to Reading a Material Safety Data Sheet, for more information).

In large institutions, MSDS's are oftentimes not directly provided to the actual users but are instead routed to the health and safety department, which at the University of Arizona is the Department of Risk Management and Safety (RM&S). RM&S has a library of MSDS for many of the chemicals used at the University. MSDS's can be requested from the manufacturer or distributor by phone, FAX or on the internet. Many internet sites also have available collections of MSDSs (see RELATED LINKS on the RM&S website). A list or inventory of hazardous chemicals must be maintained for all work areas (see CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES). MSDS for all the chemicals on the list must be readily available to chemical users (within an 8-hour work shift). Contact RM&S if you have trouble obtaining an MSDS.

MSDS's are usually considerably more informative than labels and they are a valuable source of hazard information, but it is important to mention that the quality and depth of information on MSDS's varies widely. One should not assume that everything needed to be known is included in an MSDS. Searching for further hazard information maybe advisable.

3.4) Texts, Journals, Bulletins, Etc.: Texts, Journals, Bulletins and the like are a vital source of chemical and other occupational hazard information. If the information is known, it can be located through these sources with some amount of effort. On the University campus, the Science and Engineering Library, Arizona Health Science Center Library and the RM&S general library are excellent assemblies of information which are available to all. Because of the rapid developments in science, the date of information should be considered. If the reference is older, it may not represent currently accepted intelligence.

The Science and Engineering Library is located in Building #54 and is open at various hours depending on the day of the week and whether or not school is in session. Call 621-6440 for library hours. The Arizona Health Science Center Library is located in the Arizona Health Science Center on the second floor and is open at various hours depending on the day of the week and whether or not school is in session. Please see the AHSL website for library hours. The RM&S general library is located at 220 W. 6th St. and is available between the regular work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

3.5) Risk Management and Safety: In addition to an MSDS collection and the general library, RM&S has access to a computer-based chemical and occupational safety and health information systems (ExPub). It is a collection of government and proprietary databases on chemical hazards. Also, RM&S staff are available to provide chemical hazard information, guidance, and technical assistance to supervisors and managers in identifying, evaluating, and controlling chemical and other occupational environmental, health and safety problems. They are also a valuable reference source for locating experts in particular areas of concern not only at the University but also through their professional contacts in academia and industry. In addition, RM&S has an extensive Safety Training Video Library (PDF format) listed on their website.

3.6) Other Information Sources: Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center: The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center (APDIC) is part of the College of Pharmacy at the Arizona Health Sciences Center. It is a phone information service that provides emergency information on drug, chemical, plant, or insect poisonings. The service provides immediate assessments, first aid recommendations and, if necessary, referrals for appropriate medical treatment. They are also available to provide routine chemical health hazard information.

APDIC provides around the clock service which is available to all by calling 626-6016. Questions are answered by specially-trained pharmacists who, utilize information derived from computerized databases, current journals, recent texts, and consultation with a broad range of specialists including other pharmacists, scientists and board certified physicians who specialize in toxicology. Thus each question is answered on an individual basis with the most up-to-date information. Because of the nature of their service, emergency calls receive priority over informational calls.

Arizona Teratogen Information Program or Pregnancy Riskline: The Arizona Teratogen Information Program (ATIP) is a combined effort of the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Arizona Health Sciences Center, the Poison and Drug Information Center and the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. It is a phone information resource pertaining to agents such as drugs, radiation, chemicals or infectious agents which potentially harm the developing fetus. The service can answer questions regarding the potential effects and risks of exposures during pregnancy.

ATIP is available free of charge to health professionals and the general public 24-hours a day by calling the 626-3410. Initially questions will be addressed by pharmacists answering the phones. They may answer your question at the time, or if further research is required, they will refer it to a genetic counselor who will return your call within the next working day. If the counselor feels that more studies or specialized obstetrical care is indicated, you may be referred to health care providers or agencies in the area.

ATIP counselors are health professionals specifically interested in the effects of teratogens on the unborn. Like the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, they answer questions on an individual basis, utilizing the most up-to-date information available.

Internet: Not only is the internet a great source of material safety data sheets but it is a valuable source of other health and safety information – just be discriminating where the information comes from. Make sure the website is reputable (see RELATED LINKS on the RM&S website for a list of respectable websites).

Other Sources: Other valuable sources of information are colleagues not only at this University but at other universities as well and outside industry experts. Chances are, you are not the first person to use a certain chemical or conduct a certain procedure and there is someone who has some valuable experience to share with you. Technical services of chemical manufacturers are another possible source of hazard information as well as other information. Phone numbers for these services usually appear in product catalogs and MSDS's.

Additional valuable sources of information include the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the American Chemical Society through their toll-free technical information services by calling 1-800-356-4674 and 1-800-227-5558, respectively.

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