Question of the Week: When Do I have to Update My Material Safety Data Sheets?
Posted on 6/7/2011 by James Griffin
UPDATE: This post was written in June 2011, just before OSHA officially adopted the Globally Harmonized Standard for Classifying and Labeling Chemicals, or GHS for short.
The final deadline for compliance with GHS workplace hazcom rules was June 1, 2016. By that date, employers whose workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals were required to update their workplace hazard communication system and provide additional training on any newly identified GHS hazards. Click here to find out more about OSHA's incorporation of GHS standards into the 1910.1200 hazard communication Standard.
Need to update your workplace’s HazCom plan? The Managing Hazard Communication Online Coursewill guide you through how GHS standards will change the way you protect employees from chemical hazards.
Need GHS-compliant hazcom training for employees? The Hazard Communication Online Course is designed to help employees identify, mitigate, and avoid the chemical hazards they face on the job, including changes under the adopted GHS rules.
Q. Under the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires manufacturers and importers to obtain or develop material safety data sheets (MSDS) for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Manufacturers and importers must provide these MSDS to distributors and employers with their initial shipment, and with the first shipment after the MSDS are updated.
How often does OSHA require manufacturer/importers to update their MSDS?
A. Under the current Hazard Communication Standard, manufacturers and importers must ensure that the information on the MSDS “accurately reflects the scientific evidence used in making the hazard determination.” Whenever they become aware of any significant new information regarding the hazards of the chemical, or ways to protect against the hazards, they must update the MSDS within 3 months. If the chemical is not currently being produced or imported, the MSDS must be updated before the chemical is introduced into a workplace again. [29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(5)]
However, manufacturers and importers may soon need to update all of their Material Safety Data Sheets even though the hazards of the chemicals may not change. This is because before the year is out, OSHA intends to finalize changes to the Hazard Communication Standard, and other relevant chemical standards, to harmonize domestic regulations with the Globally Harmonized System of Chemical Classification and Labeling (GHS).
Once the Standard is revised, all Material Safety Data Sheets will have to be replaced with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) within 3 years. The revised Standard will specify the format, order, layout, and information that appears on a SDS where the old format only specified the information that must appear. Because the GHS system for SDS was based on an existing industry consensus standard (ANSI Z400.1), and because many countries have already adopted the GHS in whole or in part, many larger international companies will find themselves already in compliance with the GHS. Small- and medium–sized enterprises and businesses new to the international market, on the other hand, are more likely to have some catching up to do.
The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.
Steve Gall
Safety Leader
The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.
Gary Hartzell
Warehouse Supervisor
The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.
David Baily
Hazmat Shipping Professional
I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.
Frank Sizemore
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.
Amanda Schwartz
Environmental Coordinator
The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.
Jeffrey Tierno
Hazmat Shipping Professional
I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.
Dawn Swofford
EHS Technician
Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.
Dorothy Rurak
Environmental Specialist
The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.
Stephanie Venn
Inventory Control Specialist
Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!
Tony Petrik
Hazmat Shipping Professional
Download Our Latest Whitepaper
Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.
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.