October 04, 2007

Hazard Communication
Foundation of Workplace Chemical Safety Programs
Description of OSHA MSDS Initiative and Sample MSDS

OSHA is developing an enforcement initiative for compliance officers to review and evaluate the adequacy of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Under this program, the Agency will choose a certain number of chemicals, and following the requirements in the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), identify some critical elements (phrases, words, etc.) that should appear on an accurate MSDS. Compliance officers would use this information as they encounter these chemicals at worksites. Where MSDSs are found that do not contain these critical elements, OSHA will notify the manufacturer in writing of the deficiencies or inaccuracies. Manufacturers will be required to correct and update their MSDS. They will then have to respond to OSHA and inform the Agency of the steps taken to correct and update their data sheet. Those manufacturers that fail to respond or do not update their MSDS can potentially be cited under the HCS.

In addition, compliance staff and the public are being made aware of the availability of International Chemical Safety Cards on OSHA's web page. These cards are similar to MSDSs in terms of the information provided. They are internationally developed and peer reviewed, cover over 1300 substances, and are available in 14 languages. They are a good screening tool to be used when reviewing MSDSs on the substances they cover, and are going to be modified to be consistent with the GHS* classification criteria and MSDS format. Sample MSDS

*Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals