Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

When selecting a new chemical for use, which document should be reviewed?

1. EPA

2. MSDS

3. ANSI

4. ASTM

The correct answer is: MSDS

When selecting a new chemical for use, the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), now commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheet (SDS), is a crucial document to review. The MSDS/SDS provides comprehensive information about the properties of the chemical, including its potential hazards, safe handling and storage guidelines, health effects, and emergency measures in case of an incident. This document is vital for ensuring workplace safety and compliance with regulations. It helps users understand how to properly handle the chemical, the personal protective equipment required, first-aid measures to take in case of exposure, and how to respond in case of spills or leaks. In contrast, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemicals and provides guidelines, the MSDS/SDS specifically focuses on the safety aspects of handling and using the chemical. ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) provide standards and guidelines for various processes and materials but do not contain the specific chemical hazard information contained in the MSDS/SDS. Therefore, for effective chemical safety management, the MSDS/SDS is the essential document to review when selecting a new chemical.