Significance

• The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration, or OSHA, regulates the use and labeling of products used in the workplace. The standards and regulations set by OSHA in regard to workplace safety may often be applied to the use of the same products in the home. OSHA regulates the disclosure of the chemical compounds used, as well as the appropriate first-aid measures for each product. It's essential to follow OSHA standards in the handling and use of any chemical product to avoid physical harm to individuals, as well as to the environment.
  
  

MSDS Disclosure

• Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDS's, are the accepted form required by OSHA for the disclosure of the rules and regulations concerning chemical products such as oil-based Kilz. OSHA regulates the specific information that must be included on every MSDS. Section 15 of the MSDS contains vital regulatory information that may vary from state to state. For example, the state of California requires that Kilz carry the following disclaimer: "Warning: This product contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm." Kilz is also listed on New Jersey's Right to Know List and Pennsylvania's Hazardous Substance List.
  
  

Use

• The official Kilz Material Safety Data Sheet outlines specific handling and storage requirements for the product. The Kilz MSDS also lists the possible side effects associated with the improper use of the product. For example, Kilz may cause irritation to the eyes and skin, as well as to the respiratory tract after prolonged exposure. The product may also cause harm if swallowed. The Kilz MSDS recommends using the product in a well-ventilated area followed by thorough hand-washing. Kilz should also be stored in a cool, dry place away from any heat source that may cause combustion.
  
  

Cleanup and Disposal

• The MSDS for Kilz also features specific information regarding cleanup and disposal of the product. Spillage should be soaked up immediately using an inert material such as soil or dry sand. The product must then be placed in an approved chemical waste container. According to the MSDS, the disposal of this and other chemical products is regulated at both the state and local level, as well as at the federal level in accordance "with the U.S. EPA Guidelines listed in 40 CFR Part 261.3 for the classifications of hazardous waste prior to disposal."