A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is required in accordance with the U.S. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. Most developed countries have similar regulations and requirements. The safety data sheet is a detailed information document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical. It describes the physical and chemical properties of the product. Safety data sheets contain useful information such as flash point, toxicity, procedures for spills and leaks, and storage guidelines. The information in a safety data sheet helps you choose safe products, helps you understand the potential health and physical hazards of a chemical, and describes how to respond effectively to exposure situations. Although efforts are currently being made to standardize safety data sheets, the quality of individual safety data sheets varies. A safety data sheet can be useful, but it cannot replace prudent practices and comprehensive risk management. To prepare a safety data sheet in accordance with the Employment Health and Safety Act 1992 for New Zea Land, click here. According to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must precede or accompany the first shipment of hazardous materials defined as such by law.

For items already ordered, an SDS must also be delivered if the SDS has changed since the last delivery. No. The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200, contains the minimum elements required for an employee information and training program. While CMS is a necessary part of these requirements, it is not enough to provide or distribute them to employees. An OSHA interpretive letter dated October 24, 2005 states: „Hazardous Energy Control (LOTO) training programs and the hazard communication standard are not met solely by providing written documentation to employees: OSHA only requires Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous products or chemicals. GLT products, as well as other manufacturers, are not required to provide safety data sheets for non-hazardous materials or products. OSHA has left it to the manufacturer whether or not to provide safety data sheets for non-hazardous substances. Many organizations often provide SDSs for liability and non-compliance purposes. In fact, OSHA does not encourage manufacturers to keep safety data sheets for non-hazardous products or chemicals. If an employer without a commercial account purchases a hazardous chemical from a retailer that is not required to have safety data sheets (i.e., the retailer does not have commercial accounts and does not use the materials), the retailer will provide the employer with the name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer upon request. the importer or distributor from whom a safety data sheet is available; Keep in mind that once providers have updated their SDS, they don`t need to send the updates to customers immediately.

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that SDSs be readily available to all employees for potentially harmful substances treated in the workplace under the Hazard Communication Regulations. The SDS must also be made available to local fire departments and local and state emergency planning officers under section 311 of the Emergency Planning and Right to Community Information Act. The American Chemical Society defines Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS Numbers) that contain a unique number for each chemical and are also used internationally in SDSs. For example, if you use window cleaners in the workplace to occasionally clean a window, the employer is not required to keep an SDS for that material. However, if it is the employee`s duty to clean the windows professionally throughout the day, an SDS would be required. The easiest solution for the multi-employer workplace is to provide each other with copies of the SDS or add your SDS to their collection (as long as your employees have access to it). Of course, further training, markings, etc. may be required; SDSs are only part of the HazCom standard.

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) specifies, among other important data, the required elements that must be included on an SDS. This is a very readable document, and we recommend that anyone involved in the management of SDSs print a printed copy for future reference. No. These do not include all the information required by OSHA`s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200 paragraph (g) (2). Former employees. According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1020, Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records, your employer is required to keep records of your exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. These „employee exposure records“ must be retained for at least 30 years after termination of employment. Standard 1910.1020 allows employers to use the SDS as part of or in place of other types of documents. As described in the previous hyperlink, you or your designated representative (union representative, lawyer, etc.) have the right to consult your documents free of charge and to receive copies of them. .