A trade secret is any formula, pattern, device or compilation of information which is used in one's business, and which gives him an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use it. It may be a formula for a chemical compound, a process of manufacturing, treating or preserving materials, a pattern for a machine or other device, or even a list of customers. In other words, the trade secret is proprietary information, that which the holder of the secret does not wish to be known to others, particularly his competitors. In the context of an MSDS, a trade secret and "secrecy" have a very rigorous definition as defined by OSHA in Appendix D to the Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200.