Material Safety Data Sheet(MSDS) on Ships
In life, it is important to know yourself and know what you are dealing with before you go for a fight. A Merchant Vessel may carry a variety of Dangerous goods and Hazardous substances. Accidents and spillage may occur and the crew should be ready with an immediate response. This is where a Material Safety Datasheet comes into play.
1:- What is a Material Safety Data Sheet?
An MSDS or a Safety Data sheet, under the Global Harmonized System, as the name suggests, is a document that provides comprehensive and complete information about the cargo being carried onboard.
- It acts as an encyclopedia for the specific cargo, always ready to use in case of an emergency.
- It also includes control measures, precautions and First-aid measures to be followed for the specific cargo.
- The most important feature of an MSDS is that it contains the UN Number of the Dangerous Goods which aids in easier identification.
2:- MSDS Meaning
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that provides essential information about chemical products used in the workplace. It details the potential hazards, safe handling instructions, and emergency measures related to the chemical. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what you can find in an MSDS:
- Product Information: Name of the chemical and manufacturer details.
- Hazard Identification: Possible health risks or dangers.
- Composition: Ingredients and chemical components.
- First Aid Measures: What to do in case of exposure.
- Firefighting Instructions: How to handle fires involving the chemical.
- Handling and Storage: Safe storage and usage guidelines.
- Personal Protection: Recommended protective equipment (gloves, masks, etc.).
- Spill or Leak Procedures: How to safely clean up a spill.
3:- Who Provides the MSDS?
The Product Manufacturer/ supplier must supply the safety data sheet to the ship’s crew. In the case of Bunkers, the bunkering company is responsible. The MSDS must be provided to the crew before commencing loading or bunkering operations.
4:- Which Ships Need to Carry a Material Safety Data Sheet?
Merchant Vessels typically carry several types of Dangerous Goods and Hazardous substances. A passenger vessel may also be obligated to bring a safety data sheet, for example, if carrying certain chemicals for maintenance purposes.
The following categories of cargo may need the ship to obtain a material safety data sheet from the manufacturer: These cargoes are regulated under the IMDG Code.
- Chemical Cargo: Any type of chemical, including industrial chemicals, cleaning agents, and pesticides.
- Flammable Liquids: Examples include gasoline, diesel, alcohol, and other fuel oils.
- Flammable Solids: Cargoes like sulfur, matches, or certain metal powders.
- Gases: Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases, such as propane, oxygen, or acetylene.
- Explosives: Fireworks, ammunition, or any cargo classified as explosive.
- Corrosive Substances: Acids, bases, and other corrosive materials like battery fluids.
- Toxic and Infectious Substances: Pesticides, toxic chemicals, or biohazards.
- Radioactive Materials: Radioactive isotopes used for medical, industrial, or scientific purposes.
- Oxidizing Substances: Cargoes like hydrogen peroxide or ammonium nitrate that can cause or enhance combustion.
- Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods: Any other hazardous substances not covered under specific categories, such as lithium batteries, asbestos, or dry ice.
5:- IMO Regulations regarding Material Safety Data Sheet
The SOLAS Convention specifies the need for an MSDS. Not all ships need to carry a Safety Data Sheet.
Chapter VI, Part A, Regulation 5-1, of the SOLAS Convention specifies that ships carrying oil cargo or oil as fuel that falls under regulation 1 of Annex 1 of the MARPOL convention, are required to be provided with an MSDS.
Resolution MSC.286(86), provides guidelines on the structure of a Material Safety Data Sheet for Annex 1 Cargoes and Marine Fuel Oil.
Resolution MSC.150(77) provides recommendations on the content of the datasheet.
6:- Contents of the Material Safety Data Sheet
All manufacturers need to follow IMO recommendations and guidelines on the content of the MSDS for their shipment. A typical MSDS carried on ships includes the following:
| Title |
| Product and Company Identification |
| Hazard Identification |
| Composition/Information on Ingredients |
| First-Aid Measures |
| Fire-Fighting Measures |
| Accidental Release Measures |
| Handling and Storage |
| Exposure Control/ Personal Protection |
| Physical And Chemical Properties |
| Stability and Reactivity |
| Toxicological Information |
| Ecological Information |
| Disposal Consideration |
| Transport Information |
| Regulatory Information |
| Other Information |
Here is an example of an MSDS; Click here to view it.
7:- Material Safety Data Sheet Certificate
An MSDS Certificate is essential for businesses that handle chemicals, as it verifies the availability of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each product. The material safety data sheet provides crucial information about the chemical’s hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency procedures. Having an MSDS certificate ensures compliance with safety regulations and promotes a safer work environment by informing employees about potential risks and protective measures. It’s a vital tool for safeguarding health, preventing accidents, and ensuring that proper steps are taken in case of spills or exposure.
8:- Purpose of Material Safety Data Sheet
The ultimate concern onboard is maintaining the Safety of Life and environmental protection. The primary function of a material safety data sheet is to provide ready-to-use, comprehensive, and easily readable information on the substance.
The Material Safety Data Sheet serves the following purposes:
- It details potential health effects upon exposure to the substances including symptoms and effect routes like inhalation, ingestion, etc.
- It provides information on protective measures to be taken while handling such cargo including PPE recommendations.
- It provides guidance on emergency response and procedures including emergency contact details.
- It promotes and facilitates regulatory compliance for the ship’s crew and other authorities.
- It helps in identifying the effect on nature, the substance will have, if disposed of and helps preserve the environment.
9:- Frequently Asked Questions About Material Safety Data Sheet
MSDS Full form is a Material safety data sheet often referred to as a safety data sheet.
No, only ships carrying Marpol Annex 1 Cargoes and other dangerous goods need to carry an MSDS.
The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) checks whether the ship has an MSDS on board.
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