How to Find MSDS Sheets

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all employers, without exceptions, to have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on hand for their employees. Failure to be in compliance with this regulation may result in a $1,000 fine per violation. So, if you are confused, or need help or more information on finding MSDS sheets for your business, follow the guidelines below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Research OSHA Standards

1. Start by reading the OSHA standard 1910.1200. Visit the OSHA home page and type ¨1910.1200¨ in the search box on the right hand side. Press the ¨GO¨ button.
2. Scroll down and click on the highlighted ¨1910-1200 – Hazard Communication¨ link.
3. Read all sections and print information for future reference.

Comply and Enforce OSHA Standards

4. Gather all invoices pertaining to chemicals or products used by employees. Generate a list of cleaning products used or located in your business.
5. Compile the information by listing each product into a compliance checklist with two columns. Mark the first column as ¨Labeled¨ and the second column as ¨MSDS on Hand.¨
6. Check that all cleaning supplies or contaminants are properly labeled as required by OSHA standard 1910.1200.
7. Verify that an MSDS is available for each product on the compliance checklist, then check off the appropriate column. Leave blank and highlight any product name missing label or MSDS.
8. Make labels for products missing labels or purchase them at a local office supply store. Cross each product off the checklist once both columns are checked.
9. Place MSDS sheets in a 3-ring binder and label accordingly.

Obtain Missing MSDS

10. Call vendors listed on invoices to provide you with proper MSDS. Ask vendors to fax over MSDS immediately and to mail the originals. If vendors can´t provide MSDS, proceed to the next step.
11. Verify product name and manufacturer.
12. Visit the MSDS Search National Repository website. Scroll down the right hand menu under the ¨NAVIGATION¨ section.
13. Select either ¨Manufacturers¨ or ¨Databases.¨ Follow prompts to perform search.
14. Find MSDS and print information for each product. File MSDS in binder.
15. Update MSDS binder when each new invoice or purchase arrives, making it part of the daily, weekly or monthly inventory process.
16. Have all employees read and acknowledge in writing MSDS information.

Tips & Warnings

• Not all products require MSDS or labels. Check OSHA website for requirements.
• Call product manufacturer, if all else fails, to obtain proper MSDS.