What is the purpose of material safety data sheets (MSDS) in steamfitting?

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) play a critical role in the steamfitting industry, primarily aimed at ensuring the safe handling of hazardous materials. The primary purpose of an MSDS is to provide detailed information about the hazards associated with these materials, including data on chemical properties, potential health risks, safe handling procedures, and emergency response actions.

By offering comprehensive details about the safety measures needed for specific substances, MSDS helps steamfitters understand how to protect themselves and their colleagues from potential dangers, such as chemical exposure or harmful reactions. This understanding is vital for maintaining a safe work environment, as it informs workers about the necessary precautions to take when using various materials.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that are not the primary function of an MSDS. While listing suppliers, documenting maintenance, and outlining installation procedures are important elements of the steamfitting process, they do not provide essential safety information that directly pertains to chemical hazards and worker protection, which is the core purpose of an MSDS.