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Comprehensibility of material safety data sheets
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Workers found material safety data sheets (MSDSs) difficult to understand, with one-third of the information being incomprehensible. This highlights critical issues in hazard communication and the need for improved MSDS accessibility for worker safety.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Toxicology
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- The Hazard Communications Standard mandates Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for hazardous chemicals.
- Effective hazard communication is crucial for protecting worker health and safety in industrial settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the comprehensibility of MSDSs among unionized manufacturing workers in Maryland.
- To identify potential barriers in hazard communication practices.
Main Methods:
- A study involving approximately 100 unionized manufacturing workers in Maryland.
- Workers were tested on their understanding of information presented in sample MSDSs.
- An open-book test format was used to evaluate comprehension of health and safety data.
Main Results:
- On average, workers found approximately one-third of the information on MSDSs to be incomprehensible.
- Significant challenges exist in the clarity and accessibility of MSDS content for the intended audience.
Conclusions:
- Current MSDSs present significant comprehension challenges for manufacturing workers.
- Improvements in MSDS design and content are necessary to ensure effective hazard communication and worker safety.