What to do about very old MSDS Sheets

[nixnine1]

I have been putting together an MSDS folder but have found that many of the data sheets available are sometimes 10-12 years old. My question is how long is an MSDS good for? Is there a required revision period? I have requested updated ones from suppliers but am wondering what the standard is on length of use. Seems that there should be a revision every so often just to ensure they are being kept up to date.

 

[Mikishots]

Re: MSDS

I have been putting together an MSDS folder but have found that many of the data sheets available are sometimes 10-12 years old. My question is how long is an MSDS good for? Is there a required revision period? I have requested updated ones from suppliers but am wondering what the standard is on length of use. Seems that there should be a revision every so often just to ensure they are being kept up to date.

Typically, they should be reviewed for an update every three years.

EDIT: I was curious regarding other countries, so I had a peek online - one site said the following: "MSDS sheets should be revised when the information changes".

Really? Wow.

 

[Michael_M]

Re: MSDS

I just recently did the same thing (updated MSDS sheets) and I still have a few that are 10 years old but very few.

I am not sure what it is called, but I have been told that 'MSDS' is going away and being switched to a more global system (I believe it is called 'Global Harmonized System', but not positive). By what I have been told, all MSDS's will need to be re-written to the new standard format by the end of 2013.

http :// www .osha. gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html - OBSOLETE BROKEN 404 LINK(s) UNLINKED

Found this on google.

 

[Mikishots]

Re: MSDS

Sounds too familiar - the deadline has been revised a few times now (last I had heard was 2008). Seems that the issue is the lack of a stronger governmental or organizational backing.

RoHS had a similar start - remember when the program first rolled out? The Brits were further behind in implementation and enforcement than other countries, and that's where the directive was originated! It was actually the Greeks who were the first to get the program integrated and up and running.

All in agreement to get a harmonized system, but it's a very tough sell - trying to get all interested parties to compromise and agree on specific aspects of the sheets is going to be a real challenge. To make it progress at an acceptable rate, there needs to be a strong hand guiding it.

 

[nixnine1]

I've noticed that many of the larger companies with the more popukar products are less likely to have updated safety sheets. They also are more likely to be using the older format still instead of the ansi 16 part. It would be easier to have one standard, but as that is a project for the future, how do we prepare ourselves with safety sheets revised in the last century? Would anything be said for them being so old? Calling a couple suppliers, I have discovered they do not even have their msds updated on the site where they sell from.

 

[JaxQC]

Technically when they change ie.. supplier has a new revision. A reasonable period is (3) years that I’ve seen use quite often. One way is to use a staggered rotation and pick 1/3rd a year to review and verify if updates are available. That way it’s not such a huge job all at once and at worst your’e talking only (3) years.

 

[QACen]

Interesting. Good to know. Do all just state the time to review this in your Chemical Hazard Procedure or some related process?

Definitely

 

[Randy]

29CFR1910.1200 tells you that MSDS's are valid until changed by the manufacturer....regardless of age

 

[Jen Kirley]

If chemistry changes result in a new MSDS due to content, then the old versions should be retained in addition to the new ones. If the format is all that is different, retaining the newer version should be good enough.

 

[Randy]

If chemistry changes result in a new MSDS due to content, then the old versions should be retained in addition to the new ones. If the format is all that is different, retaining the newer version should be good enough.

29CFR 1910.1200 rsuggests just what you said