The North Carolina Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is an important document created by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It provides essential information about potentially hazardous materials used or produced in North Carolina workplaces. The purpose of the North Carolina MSDS is to ensure the safe handling, storage, and usage of chemicals and substances, while also providing guidance on emergency procedures and mitigating potential risks. Keywords: North Carolina, Material Safety Data Sheet, U.S. Dept. of Labor, OSHA The North Carolina Material Safety Data Sheet, also known as the MSDS, is a standardized document issued by the U.S. Department of Labor and OSHA as part of their hazard communication program. It is specifically designed to provide workers and emergency personnel with detailed information about the properties, potential hazards, and necessary precautions associated with various chemicals and substances used within North Carolina industries. The North Carolina MSDS usually consists of several sections to cover diverse aspects of the hazardous materials: 1. Product Identification: This section includes the product name, manufacturer's contact information, emergency contact numbers, and recommended use. 2. Hazard Identification: Here, the MSDS provides an overview of all potential hazards associated with the substance. It includes information about physical, health, and environmental hazards, such as flammability, toxicity, reactivity, and any specific risks related to North Carolina regulations. 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients: This section lists the chemical components of the product, including any hazardous substances present, their concentrations, and CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) numbers. 4. First Aid Measures: The North Carolina MSDS outlines recommended first aid procedures in case of exposure or accidents. It guides users on appropriate actions, such as administering CPR, rinsing affected areas, or seeking medical attention. 5. Firefighting Measures: This section provides instructions on how to handle fires involving the material, including suitable extinguishing methods, equipment, and protective measures. It may also highlight any specific procedures required under the North Carolina Fire Code. 6. Accidental Release Measures: It outlines recommended spill cleanup procedures, including appropriate containment measures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and reporting requirements specific to North Carolina authorities. 7. Handling and Storage: This section provides guidelines for the safe handling, transportation, and storage of the chemical or substance. It includes information on necessary precautions, storage conditions, incompatible materials, and proper ventilation methods. 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection: This part lists recommended exposure limits, such as permissible exposure limits (Pets) and threshold limit values (TLS), along with appropriate engineering controls, such as ventilation systems. Moreover, it specifies the required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, respirators, or protective clothing. 9. Physical and Chemical Properties: This section covers important characteristics of the substance, such as its appearance, odor, pH, volatility, melting point, boiling point, and solubility. It may also provide information about North Carolina-specific regulations related to these properties. 10. Stability and Reactivity: This segment discusses the stability, potential decomposition, and reactivity hazards of the substance when exposed to heat, light, air, or other substances. It may address any specific North Carolina regulations for reactive materials. 11. Toxicological Information: Here, the North Carolina MSDS includes toxicological data, such as acute and chronic health effects, routes of exposure, and any evidence of carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic properties. It also outlines necessary precautions for safe use. 12. Ecological Information: This section provides information on the potential impact of the material on the environment, including water, air, and soil, and any North Carolina-specific environmental regulations or reporting requirements. 13. Disposal Considerations: It describes the proper disposal methods for the substance, following relevant North Carolina regulations, and any specific considerations required for the particular material. 14. Transport Information: This section informs users about any special transport requirements, restrictions, or North Carolina-specific regulations related to the transportation or shipping of the material. 15. Regulatory Information: This part summarizes the applicable regulations, statutes, or occupational exposure limits relevant to North Carolina workplaces. 16. Other Information: The final section is meant for any additional relevant information, including references, revision dates, and the signature of the responsible party. It is important to note that while the North Carolina MSDS is a standardized document, variations may occur based on the industry, the material's classification, or updated regulations. Different types of North Carolina MSDS may exist based on the specific chemicals or substances encountered within different industries, such as manufacturing, construction, or agriculture. However, the basic structure and purpose of the North Carolina MSDS remain consistent across these variations.