Msds Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

Both the employer and the employee should share the responsibility for assessing and improving ergonomics in the laboratory. A three-step ergonomic program includes: Finding the hazard Determining what improvements / changes should be made Taking action to improve the workplaceEmployers should: Provide ergonomics education Provide ergonomically designed tools and equipment Allow frequent stretch breaks If possible, adjust work schedules to prevent employees from performing repetitious tasks for prolonged periods of time. As an employee, you should evaluate the ergonomic practices in your work area.Employees should: Understand the risk of injury Apply ergonomic principles to the performance of tasks Look for ergonomic hazards and improve the workplace whenever possible Recognize and report early signs of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Ergonomics is an important part of the overall laboratory safety program that ensures the well-being of all employees. The potential for MSDs while performing routine tasks exist in all areas of the laboratory. Laboratory workers should apply ergonomic principles to the performance of their job tasks and should report workplace design concerns. Each physical activity should be observed for opportunities to decrease physical stress and increase comfort.

Being aware of your posture is important for prevention of MSDs. These are postures that should be avoided: Prolonged or repetitive bending at the waist Prolonged standing or sitting without shifting position Keeping an arm outstretched for a prolonged period of time Holding or turning your head consistently to one side Remaining in an awkward position for a prolonged period of timeThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several exercises that are beneficial for the prevention of MSDs. The exercises are included as a resource in this course. They can also be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/pdffiles/exercises.pdf(last access July 3, 2009).

Locate potentially hazardous chemicals in your workplace. Describe the procedure for obtaining a copy of an MSDS. Recognize chemical labeling and its meaning. Discuss exposure control measures with your supervisor. Locate the MSDS book in your workplace.

Material Safety Data Sheets are divided into sections to assist you in locating pertinent information. As an example, we will use the MSDS for methyl alcohol to describe the various sections you will find.

Review MSDS before working with the chemical. Identify any health hazard associated with the chemical. Identify any personal protective equipment that you must wear.

What makes up the chemical. What the 8-hour occupational exposure limit is for the threshold limit value, or TLV. On some MSDS, the short term exposure limit (or STEL) for 15 minutes will also be listed.

Remember to read and be familiar with the MSDS and the Laboratory's Chemical Hygiene Plan before you start a job so that you will be prepared for any emergency.

Also remember to: Learn basic first aid measures. Read chemical labels. Read MSDS. Follow warnings and instructions. Use the correct protection. Practice sensible, safe work habits. Be knowledgeable about your laboratory's Chemical Hygiene Plan and the location in your laboratory of all reference materials on the hazards, safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals, including the location of Material Safety Data Sheets.

Formaldehyde has an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).It can be found in your laboratory's MSDS book.Read the MSDS carefully!Ask questions.

The appropriate MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for formaldehyde can be found in your laboratory's MSDS book or online. You should know where to access the MSDS and be familiar with its content. Direct any questions you may have to your supervisor.