How to Put Together a MSDS Book

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide information on how to safely handle hazardous materials. Businesses are required to provide material safety data sheets for workers to examine. The safety data sheets are usually placed in large, bright yellow binders that can be quickly spotted--even during hectic moments like emergencies. Having the sheets organized in an easy-to-find manner will benefit the company by increasing worker compliance, and workers will benefit by having accessible safety information.

Things You'll Need

• MSDS notebook binder
• Three divider tabs for binder
• Protective sheet covers for binder
• MSDS sheets
• Blank paper for indexing

Instructions

1. Organize the material safety data sheets alphabetically by chemical product name. Number each page by marking a number on the bottom of the sheet, beginning with one and continuing through to the end of the stack.

2. Write or type "Chemical Name Index" on top of one of the blank pages. Record the name of each chemical and the MSDS book page number on one of the blank sheets of paper. The MSDS book page number will be the handwritten number on the bottom of each sheet.

3. Label the first divider tab "Chemical Name Index" and put the divider in the MSDS book. Put the index page, or pages, in protective sheets right behind the divider.

4. Label the second divider tab "MSDS." Put it in the binder directly behind the index page or pages. Put the stack of data sheets into the protective sheet covers, and put them in the binder behind the second tab.

5. Take the third divider and another blank sheet of paper and label them both "Company Name Index." Put the divider in the binder behind the data sheets.

6. Record manufacturer's name for each of the chemicals and the corresponding book page number on the index sheet. Put the company name index sheets into protective covers and put them last in the binder.

Tips & Warnings

• Having an index in the front of the binder that shows the chemical names and another in the back that shows company names makes it easier to find the right sheet in high-stress, emergency situations. Someone who is panicking might notice only the company name at a first glance at the chemical container.

• Workers should be trained and encouraged in the use of the MSDS book.

References

• MSDS Binders and Accessories
• Lab Safety in Orthotics and Prosthetics: Sides 34 & 35
• Hazard Communication: Foundation of Workplace Chemical Safety Programs