|
What is an
MSDSs?
An MSDS, or Material Safety Data Sheet, is a
document that contains information on the hazards of a
controlled product or chemical. Any chemicals or
products controlled under WHMIS require an MSDS. Among other things, the
MSDS includes information on how to work safely with the
product, how to properly store the product and first aid
information.
Who
supplies MSDSs?
The manufacturer or supplier of the product must
provide copies of the MSDS. You can usually
contact them by phone and request a copy. Many
manufacturers also provide downloadable MSDSs from their
website.
Do we
need MSDSs?
If you or your employees work with and products
controlled under WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System), you are required to have an
up-to-date MSDS for each product.
How often
must MSDSs be updated?
An MSDS must be updated at least every 3 years, or
when any new information is available, whichever comes
first. If you have MSDSs that are older than 3 years,
you should contact the manufacturer/supplier and get an
up-to-date copy.
What does
an MSDS include?
Canadian MSDSs require nine (9) categories of
information:
(1) Product Information
(2) Hazardous Ingredients
(3) Physical Data
(4) Fire/Explosion Hazard
(5) Reactivity Data
(6) Toxicological Properties
(7) Preventative Measures
(8) First Aid Measures
(9) Preparation Information
Where do
we keep our MSDSs?
MSDSs must be in an area that is easily accessible
to your workers. Many companies have a
designated filing cabinet or binder where they organize
and store all MSDSs. Others have electronic filing
systems. The bottom line is that employees must be
able to access the MSDSs quickly to find the
information they require.
| 