Question of the Week: Communicating Unknown Hazards
Q. When an employer discovers that a chemical product has a hazard that is NOT indicated on the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), what should he or she do?
A. The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS: 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)) requires chemical manufacturers to assess the hazards of their products and prepare the MSDS accordingly. The MSDS must report all physical and health hazards that may appear during normal use and forseeable emergency situations.
When an employer discovers that an MSDS is inadequate or incomplete, he or she is not responsible for rewriting the MSDS. However, employers must inform their employees of the new hazard and provide them appropriate training and protective equipment.
Employers are encouraged to contact chemical manufacturers about hazards that are not accurately reflected on the MSDS. Chemical manufacturers are required to update their MSDSs when new information comes to their attention (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(5)).
OSHA has policies in place that explain how to address an inaccurate MSDS. See OSHA Directive 02-00-038 “Inspection Procedures for the Hazard Communication Standard”.
Sources: OSHA letter of interpretation [December 22, 2008]
A. The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS: 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)) requires chemical manufacturers to assess the hazards of their products and prepare the MSDS accordingly. The MSDS must report all physical and health hazards that may appear during normal use and forseeable emergency situations.
When an employer discovers that an MSDS is inadequate or incomplete, he or she is not responsible for rewriting the MSDS. However, employers must inform their employees of the new hazard and provide them appropriate training and protective equipment.
Employers are encouraged to contact chemical manufacturers about hazards that are not accurately reflected on the MSDS. Chemical manufacturers are required to update their MSDSs when new information comes to their attention (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(5)).
OSHA has policies in place that explain how to address an inaccurate MSDS. See OSHA Directive 02-00-038 “Inspection Procedures for the Hazard Communication Standard”.
Sources: OSHA letter of interpretation [December 22, 2008]
Tags: HazCom, osha, Safety Data Sheets
Find a Post
Recent Posts
Compliance Archives
Download Our Latest Whitepaper
Explore ten hazardous waste management errors that caused generators in California the most trouble last year.
By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.