Wendy,

  I’ve actually had a recent problem with people downloading MSDS docs from non-vendors.  There are a collection of websites that simply stock MSDS files.  Those websites have no obligation to maintain those MSDS files, so often they are outdate or incomplete.  Only companies that sell products are obligated to list up to date MSDS files.  So make sure your staff are getting their docs from the companies that are providing the compounds.

  I’ve also found that the companies often have a product manager who is very knowledgeable of their product safety.  Calling customer service and asking for the product manager yields excellent results in getting the information you need.   Although they often offer to charge you for a safety training course, first contact usually gets you some extra safety information.

--Mike

Has anyone ever worked with paraoxone?  One of our folks was asking me questions about it, and I had a little information from some of my reference materials, but no practical knowledge.  One of the big questions was in regards to toxicity - the group found conflicting MSDSs which stated alternatively that it's not a hazard at all versus it's a horribly toxic hazard.  Then someone else added to the confusion by telling them it's "1,000 times more toxic than parathion," which I couldn't find any data to support.  I'd like to be able to tell them what the real risks and hazards would be if they decided to go ahead with their project.   

Thanks,
Wendy

--
Wendy Campbell, CSP
Occupational Health and Safety Officer
Environmental Health and Safety
Boise State University
1910 University Drive
Boise, Idaho 83725-1826
Office: (208) 426-3303
Fax:  (208) 426-3343