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About this FAQ

This FAQ was started by ILPI in 1995 after readers of our most popular web page, Where to Find MSDS's on the Internet, began asking us for help. By March of 2001, the FAQ has grown so long that we decided to subdivide the FAQ into several sections to make it more readable.

Each section is a fairly broad category, so there is bound to be some overlap between the sections. If you still can't find an answer to your question after reading through the various sections, see the last question under Miscellaneous.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
2. Who are MSDS's for?
3. What does an MSDS look like?
4. Are there any tutorials that explain how to read an MSDS?
5. Where can I get MSDS's?

Regulations

When were Material Safety Data Sheets "invented"? What agencies or regulations require us to keep MSDS's? What organizations are exempt from OSHA's MSDS regulations? What is the minimum amount of material that requires an MSDS? What items do (or do not) require MSDS's? In certain cases: Articles Food Cosmetics Drugs Hazardous waste Tobacco Wood products Consumer products Nuisance dusts Radiation Biological hazards Office and school supplies How should we handle MSDS requests for materials that do not require an MSDS? Who do I have to give an MSDS to and what is "downstream flow"? What are my rights to an MSDS?

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Content

1. What items or formats are required on an MSDS?
2. What do these terms or abbreviations on my MSDS mean?
3. Is there a unique identification code for each chemical?
4. Does OSHA determine what information is required under health hazard information or can we use our own data?
5. Do I need to make a new MSDS if I mix several other chemicals together (each of which already has an MSDS)?
6. Do I have to write an MSDS for new chemicals that I create in the laboratory?
7. As a distributor, can we change the name and address on an MSDS?
8. Can the identity of a chemical be withheld on an MSDS as a trade secret?
9. Who can write an MSDS?
10. Where does one submit MSDS's for official approval?
11. Are MSDS's copyrighted/copyrightable?
12. Is there an XML standard for MSDS's?

Compliance

How do I know if my MSDS implementation is complete enough to satisfy OSHA? Do I have to keep every MSDS that I receive? If I have the same chemical from different manufacturers, do I need to keep all their MSDS's? Can I throw away old or outdated MSDS's? Where can I find an MSDS for an old chemical? What if I need an MSDS and the manufacturer no longer exists? Are resources such as the Merck Index or Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) acceptable substitutes for MSDS's? How come I don't always get MSDS's when I order chemicals? I thought manufacturers were required to give me one for every chemical I purchase. When does an MSDS need to be revised or replaced? Do I have to use hard copies or can I use a computer database for MSDS's? What is the "ready access" requirement and what is a "barrier" to ready access? What are the penalties for non-compliance with MSDS requirements? We have a large site. Does having one site-wide MSDS repository satisfy OSHA? What requirements are there for contractors or multi-employer sites? How does OSHA want me to organize my MSDS filing system? What's the best solution for me? How do you recommend I handle my MSDS collection? Does the Where to Find MSDS's on the Internet page meet the intent of OSHA for MSDS availability in the workplace? Does distributing MSDS's to my employees fulfill OSHA's hazard communication training requirement? Some of my employees don't speak English. Do I have to make any special provisions for these workers? How much does it cost us to maintain MSDS's manually? Are we protected from liability if someone is injured because an MSDS supplied to us is wrong but we had no way of knowing about the error? Where can I find MSDS suppliers or software? Where can I find MSDS or safety-related books and training materials?

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International

1. When we import a chemical, do we need to make a new MSDS?
2. Where can I get MSDS's in other languages such as Spanish?
3. What language does an MSDS need to be in?
4. Where can I get information about European requirements for MSDS format?
5. How do Canadian MSDS's differ from the U.S.?
6. What about other countries?

Miscellaneous

1. Are there any iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android etc. apps for MSDS's?
2. Are MSDS's really any good? For example, the MSDS for water says to flush with water in case of skin contact.
3. I need an MSDS expert witness.
4. My question is not on this list. Can you help?

Notice: This page is copyright 1998-2013 by ILPI and was last updated Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Unauthorized duplication or posting on other web sites is expressly prohibited. Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.