How to read MSDS?

Flexitanks, also called Flexibags, are air-tight, collapsible, flexible bags installed inside standard containers or dry vans. Flexitanks used by the shipping industry store liquid cargo and are mainly used for transporting non-hazardous liquids.

It is highly recommended to check the compatibility of the liquid cargo with flexitank before loading by MSDS checking or loading test with mini sample. Most suitable flexitank structure and design could be provided as per technician.  Without checking the compatibility, it would cause unexpected loss to cargo.

Customers would be curious to know whether the liquid cargo could be shipped with flexitanks. In this case, a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of the cargo is required.

A material safety data sheet—or MSDS—is a document prepared by commodity manufacturers to present whether the shipped commodity is hazardous to health and safety. A safety data sheet includes the physical and environmental hazards, precautions for safe handling, storage, and transportation of the shipped commodity, and more.

There are 16 sections in a MSDS. Let’s walk through each one:

● Section 1 identifies the chemical on the MSDS as well as its intended use. It also provides the essential contact information of the supplier.

● Section 2 outlines the hazards of the chemical and appropriate warning information.

● Section 3 identifies the ingredient(s) of the chemical product, including impurities and stabilizing additives.

● Section 4 describes the initial treatment protocol for untrained responders to deal with chemical exposure incidents.

● Section 5 provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical.

● Section 6 details the appropriate response to chemical spills, leaks, or releases, including containment, and cleanup to prevent or minimize exposure to people, property, or the environment.

● Section 7 provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of chemicals.

● Section 8 lists engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to minimize workers’ exposure to chemical.

● Section 9 identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the product.

● Section 10 describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and chemical stability information.

● Section 11 identifies toxicological info, if applicable

● Section 12 explains the environmental impact of a chemical(s) if released to the environment.

● Section 13 covers proper disposal, recycling or reclamation of the chemical(s) or its container, and safe handling practices.

● Section 14 explains classification information for shipping and transporting of hazardous chemical(s) by road, air, rail, or sea.

● Section 15 identifies the safety, health, and environmental regulations about the product.

● Section 16 tells you when the MSDS was originally prepared or the last known revision date. This section may also state where changes have been made to the previous version.                          

How to check the compatibility with flexitank?

Firstly the liquid cargo should be non-hazardous. Dangerous cargo which requires IMO codes and symbols is not acceptable by flexitanks.

Secondly, physical characters is required, such as specific gravity, flash point, melting point, and cargo viscosity, etc.

Thirdly, product MSDS differs even within the same category.

To identify whether a kind of liquid could be shipped with flexitank or not, please drop email to sales@flexitank.net.cn for professional suggestions for bulk fluid logistics packaging.