How to Read an MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are an important requirement of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. MSDS have become
important documents to inform employees, students, and the general public about how materials can be safely handled, used, and stored.
Since Flinn provides chemicals only to schools, we have written Flinn MSDS specifically for teachers and their students. Using clear and
straightforward language, each Flinn MSDS provides all the relevant safety and hazard information in a consistent, useful, and easy-to-
read two-page format. Flinn MSDS follow the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Chemical Manufacturer Association
(CMA) 16-section MSDS format, which exceeds OSHA requirements. The 16 sections are divided into four major areas, each designed
to answer a specific question.
What is the material and what do I need
to know immediately in an emergency?
Sections 1?.
FLINN SCIENTIFIC, INC.
1 It is important that the chemical name MSDS #: 5.00
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
on the label match the name on the MSDS. Revision Date: September 24, 2002
Many chemicals have similar names, but very
different properties. SECTION 1 -- CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
Acetic Acid; Glacial 1
2 The CAS# is the single identifying
Flinn Scientific, Inc. P.O. Box 219 Batavia, IL 60510 (800) 452-1261
number for each specific substance.
CAS# should match the CAS# on the CHEMTREC Emergency Phone Number: (800) 424-9300
bottle label.
SECTION 2 -- COMPOSITION, INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Acetic Acid; Glacial
3 The most important section! The first
Synonyms: vinegar acid, ethanoic acid
2
CAS#: 64-19-7
part describes the material's appearance. If it
doesn't look like this, STOP. Do not use it. It SECTION 3 -- HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
may be more or less hazardous. FLINN AT-A-GLANCE
Clear colorless liquid, strong vinegar odor.
Health-2
Corrosive, causes severe burns to eyes and skin. Moderately toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin
The second part provides an overview of the Flammability-2
absorption. Fumes can be suffocating.
most significant and immediate concern when Reactivity-2
Class II Combustible Liquid.
3 4
using this material. It will include reactivity, Exposure-3
Storage-3
adverse health effects, and flammability
0 is low hazard, 3 is high hazard
information.
SECTION 4 -- FIRST AID MEASURES
Call a physician, seek medical attention for further treatment, observation and support after first aid.
4 Flinn At-A-GlanceTM provides a Inhalation: Remove to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped give artificial respiration immediately.
5
Eye: Immediately flush with fresh water for 15 minutes.
numerical guide in five categories. If 2's and External: Wash continuously with fresh water and mild liquid soap for 15 minutes.
3's are present, read the MSDS for further Internal: Give 1 to 2 cups of water or milk, followed by a gastric antacid, such as milk of magnesia. Do not induce vomiting. Call
information. a physician or poison control at once.
SECTION 5 -- FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
NFPA CODE
Class II Combustible liquid. When heating to decomposition, emits irritating fumes.
6
What should I do if a hazardous Flash Point: 103 F (OC) Upper: 19.9% Lower: 4.0% AIT: 867 F H-3
7
situation occurs? Fire Fighting Instructions: Use triclass, dry chemical fire extinguisher. Firefighters should wear F-2
PPE and SCBA with full facepiece operated in positive pressure mode. R-0
Sections 4?.
5 Seek medical attention. These first-aid
SECTION 6 -- ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
measures are only meant for immediate first Restrict unprotected personnel from area. Remove all ignition sources and ventilate area. Contain spill with sand and absorbent
aid and should always be followed up with material, neutralize with sodium bicarbonate or calcium hydroxide and deposit in sealed bag or container. See Sections 8 and 13 for
further information.
professional medical care. 8
SECTION 7 -- HANDLING AND STORAGE
6 This section is written for the
Flinn suggested chemical storage pattern: Organic #1. Store with acids, anhydrides and peracids. Store away from Nitric Acid.
firefighter. Flash point (the lowest temper- Store in a dedicated acid cabinet and away from any source of water; if an acid cabinet is not available, store in a Flinn Saf-Cube.
ature at which enough vapor is present to Use and dispense in a hood.
9
form an ignitable mixture with air); upper
and lower flammable limits; and the auto SECTION 8 -- EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION
ignition temperature (AIT) are common Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Wear chemical splash goggles, chemical-resistant gloves and chemical-resistant apron.
Use ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below exposure limits. Always wear a NIOSH-approved respirator with proper
properties included in this section.
cartridges or a positive pressure, air-supplied respirator when handling this material in emergency situations (spill or fire).
10
Exposure guidelines: TWA 10 ppm, STEL 15 ppm (OSHA, NI0SH)
7 The NFPA code is a numerical code
PAGE 1 OF 2
?2002 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
established by the National Fire Protection
Association. It rates the substance under
fire conditions in four categories. Health,
Flammability, Reactivity, and unusual
reactivity: 4 is a severe hazard, 0 is no How can I prevent hazardous situations from occurring?
hazard.
Sections 7?1.
8 How to clean up a spill. Always 10 Wear personal protective equipment
9 Use the Flinn Suggested Chemical
remove unprotected personnel from area Storage Pattern to prevent accidents and such as goggles, gloves, and an apron. See
and make sure all students are safe. Contain improve safety. Special storage and usage page 1034?035 for an explanation on TWA
the spill with sand or absorbent materials. tips are also included. and STEL.
HOW TO READ AN MSDS continued on next page.
?2008 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights Reserved
How to Read an MSDS, continued
Each Flinn MSDS follows the same format and the information is always found in the same location, making it a valuable resource in the
event of an emergency. With your first chemical order of the year, every teacher will receive a CD from Flinn Scientific containing all of
our MSDS. You may also request another CD at any time. Flinn MSDS are updated on a regular basis, guaranteeing the most up-to-date
safety information possible. Flinn sells a complete MSDS Library in two versions, a hard copy version in two binders or a MSDS software
program. For a more detailed description of our MSDS Library, please refer to pages 1011?012. For our customers' convenience, Flinn
has also placed a complete set of MSDS on our Web site. Simply go to www.flinnsci.com and click on the Safety icon--individual MSDS
are easy to find and copies may be printed from your computer.
How can I prevent hazardous situations
from occurring?(continued)
FLINN SCIENTIFIC, INC.
MSDS #: 5.00
11 Clear, concise, and useful physical
Acetic Acid; Glacial
Material Safety Data Sheet
Revision Date: September 24, 2002
and chemical properties help you learn more
SECTION 9 -- PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
about the chemicals you use. Formula and
Melting Point: 16.2 C
Clear colorless liquid with strong 'vinegar' odor formula weight are also useful for making
Boiling Point: 244 F
Solubility: Soluble in water.
solutions.
11 Vapor Density: 3.52
Freezes at slightly below room temperature (17 C).
Vapor Pressure: 11 mm and 20 C
Formula: CH3CO2H
12 Describes the conditions or reactions to
Concentration: 17.4 molar; 36-37%
Formula Weight: 60.5
SECTION 10 -- STABILITY AND REACTIVITY be avoided. Also provides some indication
about anticipated shelf life.
Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, especially chromic and nitric acids.
Shelf Life: Indefinite, if stored properly.
12
13 More detail on how the material may
SECTION 11 -- TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION injure you. Acute (short exposure) and chronic
(long-term) effects are listed along with their
ORL-RAT LD50: 3310 mg/kg
Acute effects: Harmful liquid, corrosive
IHL-RAT LC50: 5620 ppm/1H target organs.
Chronic effects: N.A.
13 14
SKN-RBT LD50: 1060 mg/kg
Target organs: N.A.
14 Oral (ORL), inhalation (IHL), and skin
N.A. = Not available, not all health aspects of this substance have been fully investigated.
absorption (SKN) toxicity data on test animals
SECTION 12 -- ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
is included. For more information on LD50 and
Data not yet available.
15 LC50, see page 1036.
SECTION 13 -- DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Other useful information.
Please consult with state and local regulations.
16 Section 12?6.
Flinn Suggested Disposal Method #24a is one option.
15 Ecological impact if large amounts
SECTION 14 -- TRANSPORT INFORMATION
(e.g., tank car) of the chemical spill near a
Shipping Name: Acetic Acid, Glacial
river or lake.
Hazard Class: 8, Corrosive, Flammable liquid
17
UN Number: UN2789
N/A = Not applicable
16 Suggested disposal methods for dispos-
SECTION 15 -- REGULATORY INFORMATION
ing laboratory quantities of chemicals. See
TSCA-listed, EINECS-listed (200-580-7). RCRA code D001, D002 pages 1077?103 for Flinn Suggested Disposal
18
Methods.
SECTION 16 -- OTHER INFORMATION
17 Department of Transportation shipping
This Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is for guidance and is based upon information and tests believed to be reliable. Flinn
Scientific, Inc. makes no guarantee of the accuracy or completeness of the data and shall not be liable for any damages relating
information is included for your school district,
thereto. The data is offered solely for your consideration, investigation, and verification. The data should not be confused with
local, state, federal or insurance mandates, regulations, or requirements and CONSTITUTE NO WARRANTY. Any use of this data
emergency responders, and transport/shipping
and information must be determined by the science instructor to be in accordance with applicable local, state or federal laws and
19 departments.
regulations. The conditions or methods of handling, storage, use and disposal of the product(s) described are beyond the control
of Flinn Scientific, Inc. and may be beyond our knowledge. FOR THIS AND OTHER REASONS, WE DO NOT ASSUME
RESPONSIBILITY AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY
WAY CONNECTED WITH THE HANDLING, STORAGE, USE OR DISPOSAL OF THIS PRODUCT(S).
18 Regulatory information used by
Consult your copy of the Flinn Scientific Catalog/Reference Manual for additional information about laboratory chemicals.
regulatory compliance personnel.
20 19 Flinn Scientific has an ongoing program
P.O. Box 219 ?Batavia, IL 60510 ?(800) 452-1261 ?Fax (866) 452-1436 ?flinn@flinnsci.com ?www.flinnsci.com
to update its MSDS. As professional chemists,
PAGE 2 OF 2
?2002 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
we try our best to provide science teachers
with the most accurate and useful safety
information.
20 Call Flinn if you have any questions. We
can help!
?2008 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights Reserved
|