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Date: Sat, 5 Dec 2009 16:44:30 -0500
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: "Dr. Jay A. Young" <chemsafety**At_Symbol_Here**VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: UCLA Pyrophorics Video
David,
You are 1000% correct in your description of MSDSs--they are not reliable.
As you have said, there is no requirement that they tell the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
However, some suppliers in fact do have reliable MSDSs. DuPont comes to
mind as an outstanding example. Ashland Chemical is another.
Jay Young
----- Original Message -----
From: "David C. Finster"
To:
Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 8:47 PM
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] UCLA Pyrophorics Video
> Excellent video, in many regards... BUT
>
> I strongly oppose the notion that the safety glasses that Dustin is
> wearing constitute adequate eye protection in this or any other lab
> circumstance where there is a splash hazard. This egregious error seems
> the like most common mistake that is seen in photographs of chemists in
> labs, even in C&ENEws. Arrgh. (To the video's credit, Dustin puts on a
> face shield when working with the pyrophoric. I'm still troubled by the
> implication, at least, that safety glasses are adequate eye protection.
> Not in my labs.)
>
> And, I advise against using MSDSs as the primary source of any information
> related to safe use of chemicals. These documents are not required to be
> correct, and some studies have shown that they are, in fact, occasionally
> incorrect. Even when factually correct, they are not always useful. For
> example, the statement, "Dispose of chemical properly according to state
> and federal regulations" is correct, but not helpful. Further, since they
> are sometimes (often?) written by computer programs rather than humans, we
> find not-very-helpful suggestions such as "immediately flush with potable
> water for 15 minutes and seek assistance from MD" when buffered saline
> gets in your eyes, or storing distilled water in a "tightly closed
> container." I have become wary of using them, ever.
>
> Dave
>
> David C. Finster
> Professor of Chemistry
> University Chemical Hygiene Officer
> Department of Chemistry
> Wittenberg University
> dfinster**At_Symbol_Here**wittenberg.edu
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of
> Erik A. Talley
> Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 11:41 AM
> To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
> Subject: [DCHAS-L] UCLA Pyrophorics Video
>
> The UCLA EHS Department has created a pyrophorics safety video that is
> available on YouTube:
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaMXwNBAbxc
>
> Regards,
>
> Erik
>
>
> ___________________________________
> Erik A. Talley, Director
> Environmental Health and Safety
> Weill Cornell Medical College
> Cornell University
> 402 East 67th Street, Room LA-0020
> New York, NY 10065
>
> 646-962-7233
> ert2002**At_Symbol_Here**med.cornell.edu
> http://weill.cornell.edu/ehs
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