The Current SDS Landscape
The path to a compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or its international equivalents is still a confusing one even for experienced safety professionals. The current SDS landscape has only recently codified standards for what makes a document compliant and varies from one country to the next. The aim of the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), first published in 2003, was to facilitate regional and worldwide trade through consistent rules and regulations.
As manufacturers begin the transition to the GHS you should be aware that an SDS you come across might be outdated - because the manufacturer changed the product without updating the SDS, or the current regulations have changed. Asking the manufacturer to provide a copy of their most recent SDS will suffice if you are simply looking for more information on the product. However, for sophisticated or complex SDS needs, the lack of standardization or a thorough SDS presents a real barrier to conducting business. Incomplete or outdated SDSs could result in stiff fines and a dangerous work setting.
Resources and Options
Professional resources are available to manage SDS needs. Large scale companies can manage a huge internal library of standardized SDSs using database software. Their internal safety professionals may author the SDSs themselves, or rely on SDS authoring software. However, database and authoring software, training staff and remaining current on updates is often cost-prohibitive. Safety professionals and compliance departments for large companies often seek a way to outsource their current SDS operation to a skilled outsider such as MSDSWriter.
The MSDSWriter Solution
MSDSWriter provides the flexibility of budget-friendly and personalized SDS authoring services. Large companies consider outsourcing or developing their SDS program using the staff at MSDSWriter. Others simply choose to rely on MSDSWriter to deliver their SDSs on an "as-needed" basis. Whatever their choice, MSDSWriter helps companies avoid busting their limited budgets of time and money on just their SDS needs. It also helps avoid risking their business on existing and potentially incomplete SDSs.