DCHAS-L Archives ยท Post dated February 23, 2011
From: Peifer, Patricia <Patricia.Peifer**At_Symbol_Here**WESTPHARMA.COM>
Subject: MSDS Retention
Date: Feb 23, 2011 14:06 UTC
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
In-Reply-To:
A debate has come up within our organization concern ing the retention of MSDSs. I have been saving old copies of MSDSs fo r which new revisions have been issued. My understanding is tha t this would be proof that we did have the MSDS on file if an employee claimed twenty years later that they were exposed to a chemical and said we did not provide them with adequate information. I planned on keeping them for thirty years.
Others in my organization feel I may be wasting my t ime. They feel I should be throwing out older versions and only retai ning the latest copy particularly if the revisions were not significant. They do agree however, that I should be keeping old MSDSs for chemicals for which we discontinue use.
Any thoughts? Thank you, everyone.
Pat Peifer
Health Safety and Training Team Leader
West Pharmaceutical Services