MSDS - Materials Safety Data Sheets

A Material Safety Data Sheet is a document prepared by a chemical manufacturer which contains information and instructions on the chemical and physical characteristics of a substance. It includes potential hazards and risks, safe handling requirements and the actions to be taken in the event of fire, spill or exposure.

If you are concerned about the risk to human health or the environment from any of these materials, then study the Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Remember they are written as advice for commercial use and quantities, not for domestic use and quantities, so should be approached with an understanding of risk management in the context of your likely level of exposure and your own appetite for risk.

It is clear that there are sensible precautions to be taken when handling dyes and chemicals, particularly as powders:

• Avoid inhaling dusts, they can produce an asthma type reaction. Wear a dust mask when handling fine powders and aerosols on a regular basis.

• Avoid splashing solutions into the eyes, swallowing the materials or prolonged skin contact. A simple 'non-contact' approach (wear gloves, goggles and overalls where necessary) plus normal, good, hygiene is sufficient precautions for the occasional user.

• Keep work areas clean and dust free. Wash hands and equipment regularly.

• Store in clearly labelled containers well away from children, pets and foodstuffs. Treat dye powders and solutions with the same caution as domestic poisons (e.g. strong cleaners, bleaches or medicines).

• Dispose of spent solutions containing residues of the dyes responsibly. Dilute and pour onto waste land or into the sewage system. They have no known effect on the environment when used in the quantities recommended in the literature.

Here is a list of MSDS available to download. Please email us if the sheet you require is not shown.  To help understand the R-phrases or Risk Phrases included in some of the sheets, please download the Risk Phrases sheet.  Click on the name of the sheet you require and it will open as an Adobe PDF in a separate window.