material safety data sheet (MSDS)

Under the Hazard Communication Standard promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 1983, chemical manufacturers and importers are required to distribute these forms with the initial shipment of a hazardous chemical to a given employer. The forms must describe the chemical's properties, identify potential hazards, and provide safe use and handling procedures. Employers must maintain a file, accessible to employees, of MSDSs for all chemicals they use in their business.