Rule 70. Material Safety Data Sheet

Collection, development and dissemination of information:

(1) The occupier of every factory carrying on a hazardous process shall arrange to obtain or develop information in the form of Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in respect of every hazardous substance or material handled in the manufacture, transportation and storage in the factory. It shall be accessible, upon request, to a worker for reference.

(a) Every such Material Safety Data Sheet shall include the following information:

(i) the identification mark used on the label

(ii) hazardous ingredients of the substance

(iii) physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous substance

(iv) the physical hazards of the hazardous substance, including the potential for fire, explosion and reactivity

(v) the health hazards of the hazardous substance, including signs and symptoms of exposure, and any medical condition which are generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the substance

(vi) the primary route or routes of entry the permissible limits of exposure prescribed in Schedule ‘G’

(vii) any generally applicable precautions for safe handling and use of the hazardous substance, which are known, including appropriate hygienic practices, protective measures during repairs and maintenance of contaminated equipment, procedures for cleanup of spills and leaks

(viii) any generally applicable control measures, such as appropriate engineering controls, work practices, or use of personal protective equipment

(ix) emergency and first-aid procedures

(x) the date of preparation of the Material Safety Data Sheet, or the last change in it

(xi) the name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer, importer, occupier or other responsible party preparing or distributing the Material Safety Data Sheet, who can provide additional information on the hazardous substance and appropriate emergency procedures if required.

(b) The occupier while obtaining or developing a Material Safety Data Sheet in respect of a hazardous substance shall ensure that the information, recorded accurately, reflects the scientific evidence used in making the hazard determination. If he becomes newly aware of any significant information regarding the hazards, the new information shall be added to the Material Safety Data Sheet as soon as practicable.

(c) An example of such Material Safety Data Sheet is given in the Schedule ‘I’ to this Rule.

(2) Every container of a hazardous substance shall be clearly labeled or marked to identify:-

(a) The contents of the container;

(b) The name and address of the manufacturer or importer of the hazardous substances.

(c) The physical and health hazards; and

(d) The recommended personal protective equipment needed to work safely with the hazardous substance.