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MSDS Availability

Every WHMIS controlled product in your work/study area must have an associated MSDS readily available.

MSDSs cannot be kept in locked cabinets/rooms/desks, they must be accessible by all UW personnel that work with, or near the controlled product.

An MSDS may be kept in either a hard (i.e., paper) or soft (i.e., electronic) format.

Hard copies must at all times be;

  1. visible, and
  2. accessible.

Soft copies, must be accessible through a computer to employees/students in the area where the controlled products are stored or used. Ready access means;

  1. Having a userID and password, if the computer is security enabled;
  2. Knowing the server and filepath to find the information;
  3. If applicable, knowing how to use the MSDS management software, and
  4. Having privileges and knowing how to print a hardcopy.

Whether the MSDS is a hard or soft copy it must not be older than 3 years.

Maintain your MSDS collection as follows.

Laboratories/Shops/Studios

 
 
  • Hard copies must be maintained for:
  A) routinely (weekly or more frequently) used controlled products , and
B) controlled products that are present in:
 
  1. a pipe;
  2. a piping system including valves;
  3. a process vessel; or
  4. a reaction vessel.
 
  • Soft copies may be maintained for all remaining controlled products.
   
Controlled product storage areas
 
  • Soft copies are acceptable.
  • hard copies must be made available when a material is brought out of storage.
Controlled product dispensing areas
 
  • Hard copies must be maintained for all controlled products dispensed in the area.