Material safety data sheet

A material safety data sheet, now called a safety data sheet under the GHS, is the standardized document giving the hazards, handling, and emergency information for a chemical or product. SOLAS Regulation VI/5-1 requires that ships carrying oil or oil fuel as cargo or bunkers be provided with an MSDS before loading, based on IMO Resolution MSC.286(86). The 16-section format covers identification, hazards, composition, first aid, firefighting, spill response, handling and storage, exposure controls, and physical properties. The officer uses it to plan safe handling and to brief firefighting and first-aid response. It must be on board before the product is loaded.