Alert Issued To Emergency
Responders Not To Rely Solely On Material Safety Data Sheets
An alert issued by EPA warns local emergency responders not to rely solely
on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) provided or maintained at facilities
during a chemical accident. Information about the chemicals involved in
an accident is critical to a safe response. Generally responders rely
primarily on MSDSs maintained at the facilities. However, MSDSs alone
frequently do not provide local responders sufficient information to effectively
and safely respond to an accidental release of a chemical. EPA's alert
is designed to increase awareness, so that first responders can take proper
precautions. The alert identifies additional sources of chemical information
that could help prevent the loss of life. MSDSs provide important information
on the physical/chemical characteristics and first aid procedures. However,
the content of the MSDSs on emergency response procedures, fire and reactive
hazards may be insufficient for local responders in an emergency situation.
Local officials should recognize the importance of preplanning with facilities
in their communities that store or use hazardous materials. Sufficient
and correct information regarding chemicals in an accidental release can
make the difference between successful emergency response and potential
disaster for local responders and the community. The alert is available
on EPA's web page at www.epa.gov/ceppo
under "What's New". Copies also are available through the EPCRA
hotline at 1-800-424-9346 or 703-412-9810.