One caution about MSDS on the computer or on-line. When we had the Nisqually Earthquake, our power was out and we unfortunately had a chemical spill. We were using MSDS on line, and had no access to any MSDS. So, I would like to recommend that at least some MSDS be kept as hard copies, one set in the lab and one set outside the lab.
At least one city I worked in required that copies of MSDS be kept in a lock box outside the building, so there may be variations place to place. I would check with the local fire dept. They are usually very anxious to be helpful.
Best regards,
Lucy Dillman
-------------- Original message --------------
From: ILPI
> (first question not answered...)
>
> >Also, I have a question on MSDS. We have an island of cabinets in the
> >middle of our storeroom and the file with MSDS are part of the island.
> >I was recently told that they need to be kept by the door to the room.
> >Is that true? They are about 12 ft from the door.
>
> OSHA's rule for MSDS access is "readily accessible" to the workers
> while they are in their workplaces. There are no specific distances,
> methods, maximum times etc. spelled out as the HazCom standard is
> performance-based. There should be no barriers to access (locked
> cabinet, having to ask a supervisor etc.)
>
> OSHA does not regulate students, so all of this is in the context of workers.
>
> From the point of view of the fire department, they'd rather have
> them accessible outside the lab in case the lab is on fire. There is
> nothing wrong with keeping more than one set of MSDS's as long as you
> keep both books up to date. You can even keep them on a computer
> (provided that everyone covered by the standard has access and knows
> how to retrieve them).
>
> LOTS more on everything you ever wanted to know about MSDS here:
> http://www.ilpi.com/msds/faq/
>
> Our hyperlinked version of the HazCom standard: http://www.ilpi.com/msds/osha/
>
> Best regards,
>
> Rob Toreki
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