Step 1: Get into your Web browser.

On your computer’s desktop, click twice on the Internet Explorer or Netscape icon.

Step 2: Go to MSDS-Search page.

In the address field near the top of the window type http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/reference/msds.html and press Enter. You can set a bookmark or a favorite to speed future access.

Step 3: Choose an MSDS search engine.

A number of MSDS search choices will be in green underlined lettering in the middle of the page. The SLAC SEM Searchable MSDS Database (https://www-internal.slac.stanford.edu/sem-msds/bin/SEM-MSDS.asp) and the Stanford Electronic MSDS System (http://www.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/MSDS) are both excellent resources.

Step 4: Follow the search engine directions.

Most MSDS search engines will have you enter the name of the material and perhaps the material’s manufacturer. When an MSDS comes up, be sure the name matches your material exactly. (For instance, two percent sulfuric acid and sulfuric acid, concentrated are very different materials.)