MSDS

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MSDS

Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are vital sheets that tell the person who uses them the makeup of the hazardous materials you are using, as well as how to neutralize the material.

For example, you can have a MSDS for spray paint, which explains the physical characteristics of the paint, the odor, its water solubility, and its boiling range, the symptoms of both chronic and acute exposure, first aid treatment procedures, stability, proper disposal procedures, neutralizing agent, and special precautions.

The sheets are often the first thing an EMT will want to look at when you tell him what the person was exposed to. You should keep these at hand at all times. They can make the difference between life and death for an afflicted person.