Do we need to keep MSDS documents for all "chemicals" used in the factory?

[qalsang]

HI

Do we need to keep MSDS for all "chemicals" used in the factory?

How about detergent that we used to clean the floor? IS it classified as
chemicals?

Is it sufficient just to keep MSDS for those chemicals that are considered
"toxic " or "poisonous"??

 

[Randy]

Re: MSDS For all chemicals

What are your legal OHS requirements in Singapore for having MSDS's? You're answer is there.

 

[Marc]

Can anyone in Singapore help with this one? My Thanks in advance!

 

[samsung]

HI

Do we need to keep MSDS for all "chemicals" used in the factory?

How about detergent that we used to clean the floor? IS it classified as
chemicals?

Is it sufficient just to keep MSDS for those chemicals that are considered
"toxic " or "poisonous"??

I agree with Randy. Through a quick Google search I found the 'Health & Safety legislation' of Singapore. If you look at Section 43 (page # 32), the chapter titled as 'Safety Datasheet' prescribes:

Safety data sheet 43. —(1) Where any hazardous substance is used, handled or stored in a factory, it shall be the duty of the occupier of the factory to —
(a) obtain a safety data sheet of the substance;
(b) assess the information in the safety data sheet and take precautionary measures to ensure the safe use of the substance; and
(c) make available the safety data sheet to all persons at work in the factory who are liable to be exposed to the substance.

Now it's not about the 'toxic' or 'poisonous' only, you need to understand what constitutes a hazardous substance. The definition is given at page#2:

"hazardous substance" means any hazardous substance specified in Part II of the Fifth Schedule to the Act;

Now you need to look for Part II, 5th schedule to determine what substances are covered under hazardous category and accordingly maintain MSDS for all those substances.

Hope this helps.

 

[Wes Bucey]

As a guy who had the responsibility for maintaining such records in several locations, I think it will save some grief for others in that position to understand that almost ALL such regulations, regardless of country, have a clause buried in the text which sets a threshold limit for the quantity of the substance in use or on hand before reporting and record-keeping take effect.

Thus, you probably don't have to report the vinegar in the break room cupboard, but you probably have to report and record the six cases of vinegar used by maintenance people each month to de-calcify bathroom fixtures in areas where hard water is a major problem.

In effect, almost any product can be toxic or dangerous in sufficient quantity or concentration. Thus, the acetic acid in common vinegar is not in the same category as glacial acetic acid (used in producing PET [Polyethylene terephthalate] and products as diverse as aspirin and THIS IS SPAM - PLEASE REPORT THIS POST.)

Potential Acute Health Effects of glacial acetic acid:
Very hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation. Hazardous in case of skin
contact (corrosive, permeator), of eye contact (corrosive). Liquid or spray mist may produce tissue damage particularly on
mucous membranes of eyes, mouth and respiratory tract. Skin contact may produce burns. Inhalation of the spray mist may
produce severe irritation of respiratory tract, characterized by coughing, choking, or shortness of breath. Inflammation of the
eye is characterized by redness, watering, and itching. Skin inflammation is characterized by itching, scaling, reddening, or,
occasionally, blistering.
Potential Chronic Health Effects:
Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation. CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.
MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for mammalian somatic cells. Mutagenic for bacteria and/or yeast. TERATOGENIC
EFFECTS: Not available. DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available. The substance may be toxic to kidneys, mucous
membranes, skin, teeth. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Repeatedor prolonged contact with spray mist may produce chronic eye irritation and severe skin irritation. Repeated or prolonged
exposure to spray mist may produce respiratory tract irritation leading to frequent attacks of bronchial infection.

Flammability of the Product: Flammable.
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 463°C (865.4°F)
Flash Points: CLOSED CUP: 39°C (102.2°F). OPEN CUP: 43°C (109.4°F).
Flammable Limits: LOWER: 4% UPPER: 19.9%
Products of Combustion: These products are carbon oxides (CO, CO2).
Fire Hazards in Presence of Various Substances:
Flammable in presence of open flames and sparks, of heat. Slightly flammable to flammable in presence of oxidizing
materials, of metals.
Explosion Hazards in Presence of Various Substances:
Risks of explosion of the product in presence of mechanical impact: Not available. Risks of explosion of the product in
presence of static discharge: Not available. Slightly explosive in presence of oxidizing materials.
Fire Fighting Media and Instructions:
Flammable liquid, soluble or dispersed in water. SMALL FIRE: Use DRY chemical powder. LARGE FIRE: Use alcohol foam,
water spray or fog. Cool containing vessels with water jet in order to prevent pressure build-up, autoignition or explosion.
Special Remarks on Fire Hazards:
Reacts with metals to produces flammable hydrogen gas. It will ignite on contact with potassium-tert-butoxide. A mixture of
ammonium nitrate and acetic acid ignites when warmed, especially if warmed.