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.

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