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MSDS Management Services

MSDS Management and the GHS

Almost everyone feels that they don't have enough time to complete all the tasks they are assigned. Updating and maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets is a task often neglected when urgent matters need your attention. If your MSDS binders are up to date - congratulations! However, if you are finding it more and more difficult to stay compliant through timely updates and efficient management of your MSDSs, you may want to consider out-sourcing this work, particularly now as Canada implements the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for safety data sheets.

The role of the MSDS is to provide information for the safe handling of chemicals and to protect workers, the general public, and the environment. Under WHMIS, an MSDS is required for all chemical products determined to be hazardous. Because product formulations may change over the years, it is important to have the most recent MSDSs available in the workplace.

The present implementation of WHMIS will change over the next year with introduction of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Changes that will occur include the following:

	The 9-section MSDS will be replaced by a standardized 16-section format and all safety data sheets will have the same layout so information will be easier for users to find. The 16-section format Safety Data Sheets are already allowed for use in Canada.
	Hazard class names will change. Some products that were not controlled under WHMIS may now be controlled under GHS.
	Workers and supervisors will need training to understand the new classification rules and hazard classes, new label requirements, new hazard symbols and new format for Safety Data Sheets.

It is not difficult to effectively manage MSDSs if one has the time. Most MSDSs are now available on the manufacturers' websites and updated copies can be collected from the websites on a regular basis. However, this is a time-consuming task and sometimes it's better to out-source to professionals who can maintain the data sheet collection and perform updates in a time and cost efficient manner.

For the past twelve years we have provided cost-effective MSDS management for a number of manufacturing companies. During the last year we have modified our MSDS management approach to accomodate the GHS. This is what we do:

1.	We work with a client's WHMIS coordinator to prepare an accurate chemicals inventory.
2.	We acquire up-to-date MSDSs for all chemical products in the workplace on a regular basis directly from the supplier and provide periodic updates of the entire collection (we send these out as paper copies or electronic (pdf) files) as desired by the client. In effect, the client receives a complete update for their MSDS collection on a CD every three months. The client is also provided with a secure link to our online data sheet collection for their facility. This collection is accessed by a menu system that enables the user to find any specific sheet very quickly, using the same web browser they use to access the internet. No special or proprietary software is required to use this database system. This ensures they always have an up to date safety data sheet collection for all hazardous materials used in their workplace. We also maintain an up-to-date backup collection for each client on a dedicated computer in our office.
3.	If desired, we review all new chemical products that come into the plant and give the joint health and safety committee a brief hazard overview of each, based on the MSDS, so that they can make decisions about safe use and worker protection.
4.	We are available for e-mail or telephone consultation or in-plant meetings to discuss hazards, complaints and control strategies with respect to the chemical products that are being used.
5.	We are available to conduct worker exposure monitoring or assist in the development of chemical surveillance and control programs if required.

In summary, our system will provide you with current MSDSs plus, if you wish, an interpretation of the chemical hazards and recommendations for controls for your specific applications. It's cost-effective because you only pay for the services you require. You can tailor the program to fit your specific needs. Since there are no expensive proprietary software components to this system, you are not locked in.

Please call or e-mail us to discuss this further or if you have any questions about the implementation of the GHS. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Reasons to have ALARA manage your Safety Data Sheets:

1.	We can save you a lot of time, and ensure your MSDS file is always current.
2.	As Certified Industrial Hygienists, we can review all new products that you are planning to introduce into the plant to ensure that workers and supervisors are fully informed about all potential hazards and required protective measures.
3.	We can explain the technical information on the Safety Data sheet in simple language that everyone can understand and can present this information in the context of your plant operations.
4.	When misleading or confusing information is contained in an MSDS, we can bring this to your attention and alert the MSDS provider.
5.	Compared with other commercial MSDS management packages we have looked at, our system is economical and much less complex. It has the added advantage of being custom-designed for your specific needs.
6.	You can terminate your arrangment with us at any time, keep the MSDS collection and manage it in-house with your own plant staff if you wish. We retain no "intellectual property rights" to your information.
If you would like to meet with us to see whether our approach might be appropriate for your workplace, please contact us. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss how it could be implemented for your facility.

This page was last modified on November 30, 2009.

*ALARA* Industrial Hygiene Services Ltd. 103 Parkview Hill Crescent, Toronto, ON Canada M4B 1R5
	Phone (416) 759-9579	Email info@alara.ca