How to Interpret a Material Safety Data Sheet

How to Interpret a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) By: Dan Nickey Program Manager Iowa Air Emission Assistance Program (IAEAP) at the Iowa Waste Reduction Center

Information Found on a MSDS • Hazardous air pollutants • Physical characteristics § Density § Volatile organic compound (VOC) content § Solid content • Material classification

Hazardous Air Pollutants • Should be an exact percent, if a range you must take the highest value • Look up components by CAS number

Finding the Material Weight/Density • May be listed on the MSDS • Calculate from the material’s specific gravity and multiply by the weight of water (8. 34 lb/gal) 0. 99 x 8. 34 lb/gal = 8. 26 lb/gal

VOC Content • VOC content must be by weight (lb/gal) : 4. 96 lb/gal • If listed as a percent multiply by the material weight 8. 26 lb/gal x 60% = 4. 96 lb/gal

Solid Content • Listed by weight: example 3. 3 lb/gal • Listed as Percent by weight: Multiply solid % by weight of the material = solid content • Not listed

Solid Content: Not Listed Subtract VOC content from the material weight 8. 26 lb/gal – 4. 96 lb VOC/gal = 3. 3 lb/gal Solid

Material Classification • Welding rod classification

MSDS • Any calculation that uses information from an MSDS must be included in the inventory submittal • All MSDS must be the most recent version • All MSDS must be submitted with the MSEI