What should firefighters use to identify hazardous materials?

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), now commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), are essential documents that provide detailed information on the properties of specific hazardous materials. These sheets contain vital data including the chemical's identity, handling and storage instructions, potential hazards, and emergency response measures. When firefighters encounter a situation involving hazardous materials, the information in the SDS delivers crucial guidance on safe practices, proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and the appropriate response strategies to minimize risk.

In contrast, the firefighter training manual is primarily used for training and operational procedures but lacks the specific hazard information for individual materials. Public safety guidelines provide general information on safety practices but do not offer the specialized data necessary for handling hazardous substances. Local area maps may provide useful context for locating hazards but do not contain the specific details required to deal with hazardous materials effectively. Therefore, relying on SDS is the most effective means for firefighters to identify and manage hazardous materials in emergency situations.