MSDS
sssteel
21 Posts
Is there anyone that can share with us ideas on how to bring our MSDS program up to date. If anyone can share how they developed their MSDS program or give us useful resources that helped them develop their program we would be very grateful. We are doing all we can to understand the rules but if anyone can help us with some useful ideas we would be thankful. This includes, how you get your MSDS sheets, how you have them arranged, how you train your employees on it, how you have made it available to your employees, and so on if anyone can help it would be a help to us thanks!
Comments
You'll need a MASTER MSDS BOOK/FILE with a spreadsheet listing the MSDS sorted by Supplier and possibly a 2nd sorted by your own assigned MSDS #. I will be happy to email a page to you.
Each department will need an MSDS Book relevent to the chemicals, oils, solutions used in their department with a table of contents as used in your master book. Be certain to include your fire extinguisher service in the types of chemicals you are using. Special solutions may be required for containing a fire or spill.
With regard to using the Hazardous Labels, each MSDS Sheet provides you with the NFPA Hazard Identification. This will translate easily to the kits you can purchase for labeling unmarked containers.
Sometimes the most difficult aspect is employee buy in for wearing the personal protective equipment necessary when handling those chemicals, oils and solutions. They have been handling, absorbing, inhaling, spraying, etc. for years and claim there has been no effect on their health. Supervisors, Safety Committees, Peer Trainers, Management and all Leadership must be an example to all employees to make a program of this importance work. Consistency in enforcement is also key. But you know that already.
For training purposes, check with the
National Safety Council
The Film Library
4553 Glenoe Ave
Suite 150
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
(800) 421-9585
[email]California@nsc.org[/email]
Your state should also have a Safety Council with video training available. The cost is minimal for video rental ($40/tape/week).
Each department has a right to know station containing a loose leaf notebook with the MSDS. Be sure to make a table of contents for each notebook. I also have a master notebook for all departments in my office. Good Luck.