MSDS Records - Is a hard copy required if I have a scanned copy?

[SheliaB]

Hi everyone,
If I have our MSDS sheets scanned in on the computer do I need to keep a hard copy also?

Thanks,
SheliaB

 

[Randy]

Re: MSDS Records

Answer this...........Can people that need them acess them regardless of you method of storage and retrieval?

Remember, they must be accessable to people using hazardous materials as defined by 29CFR 1910.1200 and according to OSHA requirements.

 

[huonghx]

Re: MSDS Records

I think it is not necessery, but you have to back up on CD-rom

 

[Doug Tropf]

Hi everyone,
If I have our MSDS sheets scanned in on the computer do I need to keep a hard copy also?

Thanks,
SheliaB

Hard copies are not required. Be sure you have the computer versions backed up and that there are no barriers to immediate employee access.

 

[somashekar]

Hi everyone,
If I have our MSDS sheets scanned in on the computer do I need to keep a hard copy also?

Thanks,
SheliaB

The quick availability of the MSDS at the place of storage or usage of the material is of importance. Perhaps the MSDS is your first document and if you can make required extracts from it for specific DO's and DON'Ts at your place of storage and use that is well seen and understood (language requirement / pictures) its better.

 

[SteelMaiden]

Re: MSDS Records

I think it is not necessery, but you have to back up on CD-rom

Really? Can you cite the requirement to back up on CD-rom? I have never seen any requirements that name the media/storage that must be used.

To tell you the truth, we don't have hard copies, scanned copies or any copies at all. We get the MSDS, call a company that we have contracted with to manage our MSDSs and tell them that we are adding it to our list. It then becomes their job to have copies/information available 24/7/365.

There truly is more than one way to skin a cat, as long as you have the ability to lay your hands on the MSDS for chemicals used.

 

[samsung]

Re: MSDS Records

In my opinion, the MSDS shouldn't form part of, in particular, an EMS since they are meant to address safety related requirements.

 

[Dr. L. Ramakrishnan]

Re: MSDS Records

In my opinion, the MSDS shouldn't form part of, in particular, an EMS since they are meant to address safety related requirements.

Dear Samsung,

Often MSDS contains information on: (a) what to do in case of spillage, (b) how to dispose of the unused chemical/container, (c) transportation guidelines, (d) first-aid in case of inhalation (remember Bhopal), ingestion, skin contact, eye contact (e) decomposition products in case of fire etc. These are information required to maintain a good EMS. At least in India MSDS is required as a part of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, which is a rule issued under the Environment (Protection) Act. So MSDS should be available for access under 4.3.2: Legal and Other requirements. MSDS also is required for preparing on-site and off-site emergency plans as per the said rules (and so required, as a source of information, for emergency preparedness: 4.4.7).

With kind regards,

Ramakrishnan

 

[Stijloor]

Hi everyone,
If I have our MSDS sheets scanned in on the computer do I need to keep a hard copy also?

Thanks,
SheliaB

How important is it to have immediate access in case of an emergency?

Stijloor.

 

[samsung]

Re: MSDS Records

Dear Samsung,

Often MSDS contains information on: (a) what to do in case of spillage, (b) how to dispose of the unused chemical/container, (c) transportation guidelines, (d) first-aid in case of inhalation (remember Bhopal), ingestion, skin contact, eye contact (e) decomposition products in case of fire etc. These are information required to maintain a good EMS. At least in India MSDS is required as a part of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, which is a rule issued under the Environment (Protection) Act. So MSDS should be available for access under 4.3.2: Legal and Other requirements. MSDS also is required for preparing on-site and off-site emergency plans as per the said rules (and so required, as a source of information, for emergency preparedness: 4.4.7).

With kind regards,

Ramakrishnan

I have studied a lot of MSDS and have come to conclude that most often (if not at all) the information required for the effective operation of an EMS (based on 14001) with regard to use, handling and disposal of chemicals isn't provided in an MSDS. e.g.

1. Spill Control: mostly you will find the following advice in an MSDS: "prevent entry of the chemical into sewers and waterways and dispose the collected spill in accordance with the applicable regulations". That's all.

2. As far as 'transportation' of chemicals matter, you will get a (circular) UN ref. no. applicable for transportation of dangerous goods. e.g.

Shipping Name and Description: BENZENE
UN Number: UN1114
CAS Registry Number: 71-43-2
Class: 3 Flammable Liquids

3. Disposal of decomposition products after a fire incidence: One is directed to refer to the regulatory requirements as applicable.

In short, there's not much in an MSDS that can really help maintain an EMS. Ofcourse, you will get tonnes of information related in particular to human health and safety. Please see the attached sample MSDS.

In India, although the 'Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules' (MSIHC) were made under the Environment Protection Act but they are enforced by the Chief inspector of Factories, a regulatory agency responsible for enforcement & regulation of H&S rules in the concerned state.

Thanks.