subject: MSDS is a complete resource for Chemical Safety [print this page] MSDS is a complete resource for Chemical Safety
For every hazardous chemical used in a workplace, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard has mandated the use of an MSDS. They also require an easy access to MSDSs by the employees and train them on how to use them effectively to protect their health and safety.
Do you know that MSDS was adopted by the former Bureau of Labor Standards some 20 years before OSHA was created for the maritime industry? It is that old and today, OSHA has regulated the use of MSDS's in all industries that handle hazardous chemicals.
This standard requires employees to obtain copies with incoming shipments of the chemicals, ensure employees have easy access to the MSDS's during each work shift, and the workers must all know the safety and health information that are contained in the document. OSHA calls this material safety data sheet, a single resource for anything that you might want or need to know about a chemical.
The material safety data sheets are a fundamental part of the Hazard Communication Standard and of the hazard communication program. It is important to ensure they are precise, clear and complete.
You must make sure the MSDS used by your employees are audited to ensure they are all complete and comply with the requirements of OSHA. The information must include the following:
Material identification
Physical/chemical characteristics
Health hazards and first aid
Fire, explosion, and reactivity hazard
Identity of hazardous ingredients
Precautions for safe handling and use
Control measures
Remember to double check the chemical manufacturer if you have some doubts about the information that is in an MSDS. According to the standard, the importer or manufacturer preparing the MSDS must assure you that the information is recorded accurately reflecting the scientific evidence that is used in making the hazard determination.
Again review the sheets in the inventory and translate technical words which makes it difficult for those less educated workers to understand the complicated MSDS. If you can't do it, then ask the manufacturer or a special safety consultant to do it for you.
All employees must know how to read and use the information given on the MSDS and chemical labels. Special training must be provided to them for this specific reason. The HAZWOPER safety training includes this special section, where participants are taught on how to read and use the info on MSDS. Join a HAZWOPER training course and learn more about MSDS.
