Understanding MSDS Numbers: What They Are and Why They Matter

Material Safety Data Sheets are federally required documents that accompany chemicals in the workplace. OSHA mandates that specific information pertaining to a chemical--including properties, precautions for safe handling and emergency procedures--be documented and distributed by the manufacturer or distributor of the chemical.

Misconceptions

• An MSDS number is not actually part of the information contained within the data sheet.

Significance

• Assigning a unique identifier, or number, to an MSDS makes the document easier to locate. Because one is not assigned by law, many companies create their own systems of MSDS identifiers.

Considerations

• Since the same chemical may come from several different manufacturers or distributors, it is beneficial to use a consistent system to identify the chemical, rather than the commercial name of the chemical.

CAS Numbers

• CAS registry numbers, assigned by the Chemical Abstract Service, provide an industry standard for chemical compound identification. Many companies choose to use CAS numbers as MSDS numbers.

Local Numbers

• In the absence of another standard, many companies choose to assign local numbers. These numbers serve as adequate identifiers of MSDSs, but they are company or site specific.