What is the primary purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)?

The primary purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), now more commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), is to provide detailed information about hazardous substances that may be encountered in the workplace, including pharmacies. These documents are essential for ensuring safety by outlining potential hazards, protective measures, and emergency procedures related to chemical substances.

While both protective measures for exposure to hazardous chemicals (like personal protective equipment requirements) and shipping requirements for hazardous substances (like chemotherapeutic agents) are critical elements, they serve different purposes. The correct option encompasses the broad scope of information provided by MSDS, including protocols to ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, as well as emergency response actions.

The presence of protective measures is crucial in a pharmacy setting where exposure to hazardous substances such as certain medications can pose health risks to employees. Additionally, the shipping requirements for these substances ensure compliance with regulations during transit, thus safeguarding public health and safety. Therefore, recognizing the dual role of MSDS in both protective measures and shipping compliance is essential in understanding their comprehensive purpose in managing hazardous materials in pharmacy environments.