How to Get MSDS Sheets
Material Safety Data Sheets detail information about workplace substances so that employees understand the hazards associated with certain products and handle them safely. Manufacturers of such chemicals publish the information so workers can take proper steps in the event of a spill or other emergency. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires companies to have an MSDS on file for each hazardous chemical they use, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
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Instructions
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Check chemical labels for warnings and look through packaging of new shipments for MSDS sheets. OSHA requires that hazardous chemicals have a warning on the label. Chemicals with such a warning should have an accompanying MSDS.
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Call or send a letter to the manufacturer of a product and request an MSDS if one is not already on file in the workplace. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services recommends specifying product information when requesting an MSDS; include the product name, chemical name and identifying information. You can also request to be notified if a chemical does not require a MSDS.
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Visit the chemical manufacturer's website and search "MSDS." Many manufacturers publish MSDS information online. The New Jersey Department of Heath and Social Senior Services Right to Know program also has a searchable list of hazardous substance fact sheets online. They are not actual MSDS documents but can provide immediate information.
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References
- United States Department of Labor: Regulations (Standards) 1910.1200(a)(1)
- State of New Jersey: Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets
- "OCC-41, Sample Letter Requesting MSDSs," New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, February 2010
- Interactive Learning Paradigms Inc.: The MSDS FAQ
