If your business works with any type of chemicals — from industrial solvents to cleaning supplies — you are legally obligated to provide access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each and every chemical at all times.
The reason for this is simple: In the event of an accident or exposure to a chemical, workers need to be able to know exactly what chemical they are dealing with and what to do. MSDS sheets provide detailed information about the nature of the chemical, including its chemical and physical properties. It also tells you about the potential health, safety, fire and environmental hazards of the chemical product.
The MSDS sheet also includes information about how to work safely with the chemical and what to do if there is a spill or accidental exposure.
It’s the Law
Keeping MSDS sheets on hand is not just a good idea. It’s also the law. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Hazard Communication Standard requires chemical manufacturers and distributors to issue MSDS with the first shipment of any potentially hazardous chemical product.
It’s up to the companies receiving the chemicals to collect these sheets and store them in a three-ring MSDS binder that can be accessed by any employee at any time in the event of an emergency. They also can be used by emergency personnel — such as firemen or paramedics — who may have to treat injured employees or deal with a hazardous chemical spill.
Maintaining Multiple MSDS Binders
For larger companies, multiple MSDS binders are often stored at various locations throughout a facility so there can be quick, easy access if an accident occurs. The last thing you want is for your workers to have to run to the other side of your factory or warehouse when seconds count.
MSDS sheets are often stored in wire folders that are hung at shoulder level above the floor. This is so they aren’t knocked over or damaged during the everyday operations of the business.
In some cases, the MSDS binders are attached to the wire folder by a cable. This is so they can’t become lost or misplaced easily.
There also lockable weather-resistant cases you can install to help protect the MSDS binders from damage. They are often made of polystyrene, aluminum or other durable materials.
Valuable, Life-Saving Information
The MSDS sheet for each chemical contains valuable information that can be essential when dealing with a critical emergency, including:
- The products name
- The chemicals it includes
- Information about the manufacturer, including its address, phone number and an emergency number to call in the event of an accident
- Hazardous ingredients/Identity information
- OSHA’s Permissable Exposure Limit for each hazardous chemical contained in the product
- Physical and chemical characteristics, such as its boiling point, vapor pressure and density, melting point and evaporation rate
- Data about the chemical’s fire and explosion hazard, reactivity and potential health hazards
- Precautions about its safe handling and use
- Control measures, such as ventilation, what type of respirator, filter and personal protective equipment to use when dealing with the chemical
Some states require MSDS sheets to list all chemicals contained in the product, even if they are not hazardous. Since chemicals are often known by different names, the most common trade names are usually referenced.
MSDS sheets can be requested from the distributor who is providing the products. There are also free resources, including MSDS, available online.