The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) devel-oped a new standard (Z400.1-1993) to assist with the for-mat and preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets(MSDS). The purpose of this standard is to provide infor-mation in a consistent manner and to make it easier to findinformation regardless of the supplier of the MSDS. Thefollowing list indicates the 16 sections of the new MSDSstandardized format.Section 1: Chemical Product and Company IdentificationThis section links the chemical name on the label to theMSDS. The MSDS also lists the name, address and thephone number of the company, manufacturer or distribu-tor who provides the chemical.Section 2: Composition, Information or IngredientsThis section must identify all the hazardous ingredients ofthe material. This section may also include OSHAPermissible Exposure Limits (PELs) and ACGIH(American Conference of Governmental IndustrialHygienists) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs).Section 3: Hazard IdentificationThis section discusses the health effects one mayencounter when exposed to the material. The section willdescribe the appearance of the material, the potentialhealth effects and symptoms associated with exposure,routes of entry, target organs that could be affected and soon.Section 4: First Aid MeasuresThis section will describe possible first aid procedures foreach route of entry. The procedures will be written so thatuntrained individuals can understand the information.Section 5: Fire-Fighting MeasuresThis section will describe information on the fire andexplosive properties of the material, extinguishing itemsand general fire-fighting instructions.Section 6: Accidental Release MeasuresThis section gives information on how to respond when amaterial spills, leaks or is released into the air. This infor-mation may include how to contain a spill or the types ofequipment that may be needed for protection.Section 7: Handling and StorageThis section discusses information on handling and storageof the material. Topics that could be described are: gener-al warnings to prevent overexposure, handling proceduresand hygiene instructions to prevent continued exposure.Section 8: Exposure Controls and Personal ProtectionThis section discusses engineering controls and personalprotective equipment that would help reduce exposure to

the material. The necessary personal protective equip-ment should be considered for eye/face protection, skinprotection and respiratory protection.Section 9: Physical and Chemical PropertiesThis section will include information about the physicaland chemical properties of the material. The followingcharacteristics should be detailed: appearance, odor, phys-ical state, pH, vapor pressure, vapor density, boiling point,freezing/melting point, solubility in water and specificgravity or density. Indicate if these characteristics do notapply to your material.Section 10: Stability and ReactivityThis section requires that potentially hazardous chemicalreactions be identified. It addresses chemical stability,conditions to avoid, incompatibility with other materials,hazardous decomposition and hazardous polymerization.Section 11: Toxicological InformationThis section discusses data used to determine the hazardsthat are given in Section 3, “Hazard Identification.” Thefollowing information can be addressed: acute data, car-cinogenicity, reproductive effects, target organ effects, etc.Section 12: Ecological InformationThis section will help determine the environmentalimpact should the material ever be released into the envi-ronment.Section 13: Disposal ConsiderationsThis section gives important information that may be help-ful in the proper disposal of the material. The informationcan cover disposal, recycling and reclamation.Section 14: Transport InformationThis section is designed to give basic shipping information.The basic shipping information could include: the haz-ardous materials description, hazard class and the identifi-cation number (UN or NA numbers).Section 15: Regulatory InformationThis section discusses information on the regulationsunder which the material falls. Examples of a few regula-tory agencies are: OSHA, TSCA (Toxic Substance ControlAct), CERCLA (Comprehensive EnvironmentalResponse, Compensation, and Liability Act), SARA TitleIII (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act).Section 16: Other InformationThis section should include any other important informa-tion concerning the material. This information caninclude: hazard ratings, preparation and revisions of theMSDS and label information.

This is a general overview of the ANSI Z400.1-1993 stan-

The ANSI Standardized MSDSFormat

Document Number: 250Page: 1 of 2

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The ANSI Standardized MSDS Format

Document Number: 250Page: 2 of 2

dard. The standard is intended to help develop consistent,understandable MSDSs that will provide useful informa-tion to a cross-section of education levels, from the aver-age person to the chemist. The MSDS sections were pri-oritized according to the usefulness of the information. Ifyou wish to obtain a copy of this standard, please contact:

American National Standards Institute11 West 42nd StreetNew York, NY 10036

http://webstore.ansi.org/

Common Questions

Q. Does OSHA require you to comply with thisstandard?

A. No, it is a voluntary standard. OSHA allows any formatas long as it includes the information stated in1910.1200 (g).

BibliographyAmerican National Standard, Z400.1-1993

Please note: The information contained in this publication is intended forgeneral information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute forreview of the applicable government regulations and standards, and shouldnot be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questionsshould refer to the cited regulation(s), or consult with an attorney.

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