How to Write Your Own MSDS Sheets
September 6, 2012 No Comments
Writing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. I was responsible for writing the MSDS sheets for three companies I worked for. Fortunately, I learned from the best – Jon N. Peace from Alcoa.
Below are a few tips I learned from Jon that will help you to write professional MSDSs for your employer -
- MSDSs for USA customers should follow the ANSI Z400.1 format
- MSDSs for Canadian customers should meet the Canadian WHMIS standard
- List all hazardous components that constitute > 1% of the product
- List all carcinogens that constitute > .1% of the product
- A best practice is to list 100% of the ingredients, regardless if they are hazardous or not
- List and describe all reasonably expected hazards
- MSDSs are highly technical and should be written by (or at least reviewed and approved by) either a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or a toxicologist (PhD & certified)
- Revise and update the MSDS every three years (WHMIS requirement)
- Provide an MSDS emergency hot-line number that is maned 24/7 by a qualified person
- Forward your completed MSDSs to “Chemtrec“
- Write a one-page MSDS notification cover letter that will accompany each MSDS that is sent to a customer
- Send out an MSDS with the first order received for that product from a customer
- Send out a revised/updated MSDS with the first order after the revision
- Resend MSDSs annually to each customer with their first order of that product in the new year
- To review well written MSDSs click here or here
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