What is considered the most specific source of hazardous material information?

The most specific source of hazardous material information is the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which is now commonly referred to as the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). The SDS provides detailed information about a particular chemical, including its properties, health effects, handling and storage recommendations, exposure controls, and emergency response measures.

SDSs are crucial for understanding the hazards associated with a material. They contain standardized sections that provide consistency across different sheets, making it easier for responders to find the necessary information quickly. This includes precise data on toxicity, first aid measures, spill response, and firefighting measures specific to that chemical.

While other sources of hazardous material information like shipping manifests, Emergency Response Guidebooks, and incident reports have their own value, they do not offer the same level of detail specific to individual substances. For example, a shipping manifest lists the materials being transported but does not provide extensive safety details for each item. The Emergency Response Guidebook provides general guidance on various hazardous materials during emergencies but lacks the specific, in-depth information found in an SDS. Incident reports may summarize past events but do not serve as an immediate reference for hazardous materials and their handling.

In summary, the SDS is the authoritative