MSDS Recordkeeping

Material safety data sheets contain information about the physical properties of chemicals.

A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is a document that provides information about potentially harmful chemicals being used in the workplace. The MSDS includes information about how the chemical should be stored and disposed of as well as how to administer first aid to a person who has come in contact with the chemical.

Recordkeeping Required

Under the Hazard Communication Standards, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to maintain and provide employees coming into contact with chemicals with material safety data sheets. Employers are allowed to designed their own MSDS record-keeping system, but are subject to inspections to ensure compliance.

Purpose

The purpose of requiring employers to keeps records of material safety data sheets is to provide employees with access to vital information quickly when responding to an emergency or crisis situation. Material safety data sheets also allow employees to easily and uniformly comply with environmental regulations.

Maintaining Records

Every time an employer introduces a new chemical into the workplace, a new material safety data sheet must be created, stored and provided to employees working with the chemical.

References

• United States Department of Labor: OSHA - Hazard Communication

Resources

• Water Online: Getting a Handle on MSDS Records or: How to Control Volumes of MSDS Documents