• Glycols are sweet, syrupy substances often used as anti-freeze or solvents. There are many different forms of glycol, including: 1,2-Dihydroxyethane; 1,2-Ethanediol; Glycol; Glycol alcohol; Monoethylene glycol and a number of propylene glycols. These substances are considered hazardous, and as such are regulated in the workplace by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
  
  

Labeling

• OSHA requires that glycol products be labeled as hazardous and that a material safety data sheet (MSDS) be available where they are used. The MSDS for glycol lists the following negative health effects: skin, eye, nose and throat irritation and potential central nervous system suppression in high doses. Symptoms of exposure can include irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat, headache, dizziness and abnormal eye movement. Acute poisoning can result in abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, stupor and convulsions, among other symptoms.
  
  

MSDS Sheets

• OSHA generally requires companies that use glycol products to have MSDS available in areas where it is used. MSDS sheets generally list the manufacturer of the glycol, the specific type of glycol in use, the chemical composition of the glycol and the potential hazards of exposure to the glycol. It will generally list potential vectors for poisoning, including skin contact, inhaling and swallowing. The MSDS will also list symptoms of poisoning and proper first aid procedures in case of exposure.
  
  

Training

• In most cases, OSHA requires companies that work with hazardous materials to have people trained on-site to respond to spills and potential hazardous material exposure. If a company only has small quantities of the material, personnel may be trained to refer to the MSDS sheets for proper cleanup. However, in companies where large quantities of glycol is used, it may require that people be trained on-site to deal with large spills or contamination.