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Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), regulated
under Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) legislation,
for chemical products have been available to workers for many years.
However because many laboratory workers, whether in research, public
health, teaching, etc., are exposed to not only chemicals but infectious
substances as well, there was a large gap in the readily available safety
literature for employees. These MSDS are produced for personnel working in
the life sciences as quick safety reference material relating to infectious
micro-organisms.
The
MSDS are organized to contain health hazard information such as infectious
dose, viability (including decontamination), medical information,
laboratory hazard, recommended precautions, handling information and spill
procedures. The intent of these documents is to provide a safety resource
for laboratory personnel working with these infectious substances. Because
these workers are usually working in a scientific setting and are
potentially exposed to much higher concentrations of these human pathogens
than the general public, the terminology in these MSDS is technical and
detailed, containing information that is relevant specifically to the
laboratory setting. It is hoped along with good laboratory practises, these
MSDS will help provide a safer, healthier environment for everyone working
with infectious substances.
Please note that although the information,
opinions and recommendations contained in these Material Safety Data Sheets
are compiled from sources believed to be reliable, we accept no
responsibility for the accuracy, sufficiency, or reliability or for any loss
or injury resulting from the use of the information. Newly discovered
hazards are frequent and this information may not be completely up to date.
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