OSHA compliance: Are your MSDS practices up to speed?

03/11/09

Whether you're at home or on the job, working with chemicals always comes with a risk. In the workplace, employers are responsible for informing employees about the chemicals they come in contact with and the dangers associated with those chemicals.

While personal protective equipment (PPE) can prevent chemicals from coming in contact with your body, material safety data sheets (MSDS) are your first line of defense when it comes to protecting employees who work with hazardous chemicals.

The MSDS is a detailed informational document often prepared by the manufacturer or supplier of a chemical that describes the physical and chemical properties of the product. They contain important safety information such as toxicity, procedures for spills and leaks, and proper storage guidelines.

An integral part of every organization's hazard communication (HAZCOM) program, MSDSs serve as a valuable guide to anything you may want or need to know about chemicals in your workplace. Employers are required to have a MSDS for every hazardous chemical under their roof.

Additionally, the safety documents must be easily accessible to employees whenever they are on duty. There must be no barriers restricting their access, such as a locked drawer, office door or even having to ask for an MSDS.

Most employers choose to organize the documents in an MSDS binder in a centrally-located area in employee work areas. It is also acceptable to make the documents available electronically through the use of a computer with a printer, microfiche machine, Internet site, CD-ROM or Fax-on-demand system.

Employers must ensure that each employee knows how to read an MSDS and how to make use of the information contained on the sheet. The information contained in your MSDS binder and the ability of your employees to put that information to use is your first line of defense when there is a chemical emergency in your workplace.