What is the first thing we do when we purchase new equipment? We review the manual to understand the dos and don’ts of using the equipment. Even though we may use the equipment regularly, we still keep the manual for reference, just in case an issue arises. If someone else is going to use the equipment, we ensure the manual is passed along to them as well.
While physical technical manuals still exist, most customers today know they can easily find them digitally on the company’s website. This digital evolution is a win for both the environment and consumers, as it makes information more accessible. When users can easily find answers to their queries, they are more likely to use the equipment properly, thereby avoiding potential mishaps.
This situation becomes even more critical in the chemical industry. The chemical sector is required to maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which provide comprehensive information about the chemicals being handled. These documents are crucial for understanding the potential hazards and safety measures related to chemicals.
Let’s dive into MSDS and explore how their digital evolution has become a game-changer in improving safety across industries.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): An Overview
MSDS are reference sheets that provide essential details about a particular chemical. These sheets are standardized and typically include the following information:
- Physical and chemical properties
- Uses of the chemical
- Health and environmental effects
- Regulatory information
- Protection against potential effects
- Hazards associated with the substance
- Handling and storage guidelines
- Exposure routes
- Precautionary measures and controls
- Emergency response and first-aid procedures
An MSDS follows a fixed format, typically consisting of 16 sections that cover all the necessary details. These sheets must be comprehensive and regularly updated, containing information about the chemical's manufacturer and referencing relevant literature.
Maintaining and updating MSDS used to be a tedious task. However, storing and managing these sheets is a crucial safety regulation, as defined by OSHA and other regulatory bodies. Over time, as digitalization took over, MSDSs moved from paper records to CDs, pen drives, and physical storage devices. Eventually, these were replaced by servers and cloud-based storage solutions. But now, a far more efficient solution has emerged, one that’s not only easy to use but also convenient and reliable.
Let’s explore Core EHS’ MSDS module, which offers a fantastic solution for managing these critical safety records.
Core EHS’ MSDS Module
At Core EHS, we understand that violations related to MSDS maintenance are common and can have dangerous consequences. That’s why it’s essential to have a standardized, systematic method for maintaining and accessing these crucial safety documents.
Core EHS has developed an advanced MSDS module to help organizations maintain records of all hazardous substances and chemicals they use. This software allows:
- Centralized storage of manufacturer and supplier details along with their corresponding MSDS
- The ability to upload file attachments with critical information, such as:
- Chemical product and company identification
- Hazard identification
- Fire and explosion data
- Handling and storage instructions
- Exposure controls and personal protection measures
- Tracking product details based on product codes
If your business handles hazardous chemicals, integrating an MSDS module into your safety system is a must. This ensures that employees have immediate access to the necessary MSDS when handling chemicals, helping them follow best practices for safety. These digital sheets also serve as a quick reference system in the event of a workplace accident.
Benefits of Core EHS’ MSDS Module
Here are six key reasons to integrate Core EHS’s MSDS module into your safety system today:
- Complete and Updated Chemical List The digital system effortlessly manages SDS sheets for every hazardous substance used in your workplace. These sheets are always up-to-date, and if any SDS is missing, the system immediately alerts you to contact the manufacturer for an update. This ensures that your safety documentation is complete and accurate.
- Readily Accessible SDSs Employees can access SDS sheets at any time, regardless of their shift hours. They no longer need to seek out managers or colleagues to find the information they need. Everything is at their fingertips, empowering them to handle chemicals safely.
- Easily Accessible Specific Information When chemicals come from multiple manufacturers or suppliers, the system allows you to attach and track specific details about the chemical's composition, purchase history, and recommended usage. Employees can quickly search for the information they need and get answers in just a few minutes.
- Amplified Safety Culture Easy access to MSDS sheets demonstrates to employees that their safety is a top priority for the organization. This robust system helps keep MSDS records secure, promoting best practices and ensuring that employees handle hazardous chemicals with the utmost care.
- Increased Visibility for Managers The MSDS module enhances visibility for managers, providing insight into safety compliance. They can monitor which sheets are being accessed, whether employees are following safety guidelines, and if the SDS sheets are up-to-date. This transparency gives managers actionable insights into safety performance and compliance.
- Avoid Fines and Non-Compliance Issues Maintaining updated MSDS sheets is a regulatory requirement for workplace safety under OSHA and other local laws. Failure to meet these requirements can result in hefty fines, penalties, and legal issues. Core EHS’ MSDS module ensures your business is always prepared for audits, with all MSDS sheets in place and fully updated.
An Overall Safety Approach
Digital tools for managing MSDS sheets have proven revolutionary, especially in the chemical sector. MSDS must be handled with great care and attention, and digital solutions like Core EHS’ MSDS module ensure that organizations can comply with safety regulations while protecting their workforce.
But it’s not just about MSDS sheets. The need for a fully digitalized safety system is growing. Core EHS offers a comprehensive, cloud-based solution for hazard management, incident reporting, job safety analysis, inspections, audits, and more. This all-in-one safety management software makes it easier to maintain safety standards and ensure regulatory compliance.
To learn more about how Core EHS can help streamline your safety system, visit Core EHS MSDS Software.