Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) have long been an important resource in the workplace. They provide critical information about product hazards, as well as advice on how to safely store, handle and use chemicals (and other hazardous materials). Anyone who has received WHMIS training probably knows a bit about MSDSs. But when’s the last time any of your organization’s managers, supervisors or employees actually read an MSDS? Do they know exactly where to find the MSDSs at your workplace? Can they understand them? A lot of MSDS collections end up in binders or filing trays, collecting dust and rarely consulted. Here are five suggestions aimed at getting more value from your MSDSs.

1. Make a Habit of Using MSDSs
Don’t let those MSDSs get dusty! Just as safety should be an everyday part of your business, the use of MSDSs should be a routine practice. Get your supervisors and front line personnel into the habit of consulting MSDSs before working with products that are new, unfamiliar, or used only occasionally. They can also review MSDSs for routinely-used products; it’s a good way to prevent employees from becoming complacent about product hazards.

2. Consult MSDSs As Early As Possible
The best time to consult an MSDS is before a product is delivered to your workplace for the first time. By conducting an early review of product hazards and recommendations for storage, handling, use and disposal you can determine if your company or facility has the resources and training to work safely with the product.

 Although suppliers don’t usually have to provide MSDSs until the product is sold, many suppliers will make advance copies available. If you can’t get an MSDS until after purchasing the product, ensure that it’s reviewed thoroughly before the product is handled at the worksite.

3. Make Your MSDSs Easy To Find
There may be dozens, or even hundreds, of MSDSs in your collection. Can a specific MSDS be found by the person who needs it? Can it be retrieved promptly in an emergency?

An organized MSDS system will ensure that information can be found quickly. Arrange printed (paper) MSDSs alphabetically and in a logical manner, such as by product name or supplier name. Use an index or table of contents to clearly display the order of MSDSs in your binder, and keep it up-to-date.

A computer-based system can make MSDS organization easier and information retrieval faster. There are many software packages and web-based MSDS services available for this purpose.

Whether paper or electronic, make sure your MSDSs can be found and accessed quickly. Instruct everyone who might have to use MSDSs as to their location and, especially where computer-based systems are use, the method of retrieval.

4. Make Learning About MSDSs Interesting

Training about MSDS content can be boring, and ineffective, if students are simply receiving line-by-line definitions of the MSDS headings. The trick is to make the training interesting by making it relevant to the students. Use products from your workplace. Generate discussion about MSDS content by using case studies, “what-if” scenarios, past incidents, or through hands-on training.

There are many ways to use MSDSs for on-going training too. For example, choose a “HazMat of the Week” or “Chemical of the Month” and use the MSDS in safety meetings, newsletters, bulletin board postings, website postings, or refresher training.

5. Be Prepared To Answer Questions

Material safety data sheets contain a lot of technical information and jargon, which can’t be understood by everyone (or anyone, perhaps) in your workplace. Some content may alarm employees, especially if exposure to the product can produce serious health effects. Questions will arise. Let your employees and supervisors know who to ask. Treat questions seriously, and reply promptly. Designate a person or group to answer questions about MSDS content.

Useful References

1. “Understanding an MSDS”, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Hamilton, ON, 2004, 4 pages.
2. “WHMIS Core Material”, Worksafe BC, 2001, 272 pages.
3. “WHMIS – Information for Employers”, Alberta Human Resources and Employment, Workplace Health & Safety, Bulletin CH-008, 2004, 46 pages.
4. “WHMIS – Information for Workers”, Alberta Human Resources and Employment, Workplace Health & Safety, Bulletin CH-001, 2004, 14 pages.

This article is provided as introductory information only.  Cited references, and other literature, should be consulted for complete details.    Copyright 2007 Escalade Services Group Inc.