MSDS – What does it mean?

MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheets. The sheets are set out in a standard format and apply to a wide range of raw materials.

Most of the information is common sense but some sections need to be read with a little more care.

Section 2 – Composition

This lists any ingredients which are known to be hazardous and are present at significant levels. This could be relevant if anyone needs medical treatment after ingestion for example.

Section 3 – Hazards Identification

Hazard symbols and Risk Phrases are defined by law. If any of them apply to the product they will be listed, together with their meanings.

Section 15

This gives any hazard symbols, risk phrases and safety phrases which apply to the product.

Section 16 – Other Information

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) provides data that allows the manufacturer to calculate the safe usage levels for fragrances in finished products. If there are no entries by the “conc % limits” then the fragrance can be used safely in products at any level.

If there are entries by the “conc % limits” then if the fragrance is used in a finished product at a higher percentage than shown, the hazards listed will apply to the finished product.

Eg.

Conc % LimitsXiR38=25.71% XiR43=3.00%

If the fragrance is used in a finished product at a level greater than 3% then the product will have a Hazard symbol of Xi (irritant) and Risk Phrase 43 (may cause sensitisation by skin contact). If it is used at greater than 25.71% then the risk phrase R38 (irritating to the skin) will also apply to the finished product.

Occasionally a fragrance is subject to IFRA guidelines about the maximum concentration at which is should be used in a finished product.