Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
MSDS
The main source of information for most chemicals and hazardous materials is the manufacturer's material safety data sheet. As an employee, you have a right to know about the materials you are handling and what safety precautions you need to take. The following Web sites can help you find and interpret MSDSs.
Vermont SIRI MSDS Index
In addition to its collection of material safety data sheets, the main Vermont SIRI Website also offers an online library of PowerPoint presentations and clip art files for developing workplace safety educational materials.
MSDS Solutions.com
Free registration is required to use this site but it is easier to use and has more MSDSs than other Websites.
How to Read a Material Safety Data Sheet
Hazardous materials
The following sites are also helpful when dealing with hazardous materials:
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
New Jersey Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets
While not an exact substitute for an MSDS, these fact sheets are often easier to understand and have the same basic information. In addition, fact sheets in Spanish are available for many products and the Spanish-language fact sheet is indexed with its English equivalent and these are in alphabetical order by chemical name.
Emergency preparedness
In light of September 11th and subsequent anthrax incidents, emergency preparedness has taken on increasing importance for AFSCME members. The following Web sites can help you prepare for and respond to emergencies:
Are You Prepared? An AFSCME Guide to Emergency Planning in the Workplace
This new booklet, available online, provides step-by-step instructions on how to develop an emergency plan for your workplace. The online edition contains a special section on dealing with biological and chemical agents.
North American Emergency Response Guidebook
(Spanish Version) Prepared by the federal Department of Transportation, this guide is intended for first responders to a chemical spill. It includes information on the safety and health problems associated with a chemical as well as its flammability.
Emergency Planning for Chemical Spills
This site offers a lot of information on community and worker right to know laws as well as first responder awareness. One handy tool takes you through the process of developing an emergency phone list.
