Hazard Communication & (M)SDS Authoring / Preparation
Hazard communication is the foundation of any effective safety program. It is more importantly the main forum for communicating results of a risk and safety assessment. Common mechanisms for this communication is provided by (material) safety data sheets (MSDS / SDS), container labels and chemical-specific training. These must be provided to aide workers in environments where hazardous chemicals are handled. Not only are they a vital communication tool to protect your employees and customers, but they convey a stronger image for your company in the marketplace.
The information required on an (M)SDS is mandated by OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) in the United States [29 CFR 1910.1200]. While OSHA has not stipulated the format that a company uses, it has been highly recommended that the 16-section (M)SDS format as established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) be followed.
The following sections are included in the ANSI standard [Z400.1]:
- Company identification and contact information
- Hazard(s) identification
- Composition/information on ingredients
- First-aid measures
- Fire-fighting measures
- Accidental release measures
- Handling and storage
- Exposure controls/personal protection recommendations
- Physical and chemical properties
- Stability and reactivity
- Toxicological information
- Ecological information
- Disposal considerations
- Transport information
- Regulatory information
- Other information
The Global Harmonized System (GHS) uses a similar 16-section formatting structure, but unifies hazard classification. It also codifies formatting and information requirements for the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) across the globe and provides specifications for labeling requirements.
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"Commonly Used Terms and Abbreviations - Safety Data Sheets"
GHS Labeling Basics
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ChemOne Compliance can provide your company with complete and professional (M)SDS preparation services as well as other documentation which require this same information (e.g. labeling and transport documents). This can be critical to communicating hazards to the recipients of your company's products, but also to provide a consistent company image to your customers.
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(M)SDS Example
The following represent sample (M)SDS's and their respective format prepared by ChemOne Compliance, LLC.
NC-1 Sanitizer MSDS
NC-1 Sanitizer GHS SDS Version
The "fictitious" product represents a corrosive cleaner. It is provided
solely for demonstration purposes.
Contact ChemOne Compliance, LLC to learn how we can provide your
company with professional and cost-effective solutions to your (M)SDS needs. |
Global Harmonized System (GHS)
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals is an internationally agreed upon system, created by the United Nations. It is designed to unify all the various classification and labeling standards used across different countries. This system is currently in various stages of implementation around the world. It is expected that the scheme will be required globally by 2015.
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