Many websites are available to provide MSDS sheets on a range of products as well as information on how to read and use MSDS sheets.

 

    All products should have appropriate labels listing chemical identity, appropriate use hazards, manufacturer name, and date of purchases.  The date is especially important for those products having a limited shelf life.  If pouring chemicals into a secondary container, label information should be transferred to the new container.  Hazardous chemicals should not be poured into a cup or other container used for drinking or eating to prevent accidental ingestion.

 

    Local, state and federal laws regulate disposal of hazardous materials.  Failure to comply with those regulations can be very costly to the theatre as well as environmentally negligent.  Properly labeled containers for hazardous waste disposal should be provided in the prop shop/s as necessary and final handling and waste removal completed in accordance with safe disposal regulations.  This is usually coordinated with the janitorial and maintenance staff. 

 

Hazardous chemicals are classified four ways:

 

Ø Ignitable – flammable or combustible materials.  (Gasoline, paint thinners, petroleum solvents, adhesives, alcohol)

 

Ø Toxics – poisonous to the body, may cause illness or death. (Paint, cleaning fluids, casting and molding products)

 

Ø Caustics – can burn, strongly irritate, or corrode, will destroy skin. (Acids, some cleaners)

 

Ø Reactive – will react violently when mixed with other products.  (Dry or liquid chlorine)

 

    In case of spills and before starting cleanup it is critical to know the properties of what was spilled and to secure the area around the spill to keep people a safe distance from any hazard and to prevent them from wandering into the site.  The MSDS sheet will have appropriate cleanup procedures.  These may include eliminating all ignition sources, covering the spill with absorbent materials, providing adequate ventilation, and appropriate cleanup and disposal procedures of all spilled product and cleanup materials.

    DO NOT FLUSH hazardous chemicals down the drain or into sewage disposal systems.  If infiltration does occur, alert the appropriate authorities, usually the fire department.