What information do Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) typically provide?

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), now commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), provide essential information about the properties and hazards associated with specific materials used in construction and other industries. These documents are crucial for ensuring safety on job sites, as they include details such as the chemical composition, potential health effects, handling and storage guidelines, first aid measures, and information on how to deal with spills and emergencies.

The focus of MSDS is on the safety aspects of the materials, helping architects, contractors, and other professionals assess risks and implement appropriate safety measures. By understanding the hazards and proper handling of construction materials, professionals can minimize risks to health and safety for workers and occupants.

The other options, while relevant to construction or project management in different contexts, do not align with the primary purpose of MSDS. For instance, cost estimates and historical usage can inform decisions regarding materials, but they do not pertain to safety information. Similarly, design aesthetics are critical for project approvals but are not a focus of MSDS. Hence, the specification of the properties and hazards of materials clearly identifies why this choice is the most appropriate answer.