Ask the expert—PDR in place of MSDS file
Q: Instead of keeping an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) file for our pharmaceuticals, couldn’t we just use the PDR (Physicians Desk Reference).
A: Replacing MSDS file with the PDR would make for a non-compliant alphabet soup for your hazardous drug policy, says OSHA. “Package inserts and the Physician’s Desk Reference cannot be accepted in lieu of MSDSs, as these documents do not meet the specification requirements of MSDSs under the present rule,” according to “Hazard communication standard and pharmaceuticals,“ a 1994 OSHA interpretation letter.
Remember, that not all hazardous drugs require an MSDS. Section (b)(6)(viii) of the standard exempts drugs, as defined by Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the in solid, final form for direct administration to the patient (i.e., tablets, pills, capsules) from the MSDS requirement.
To help with MSDS questions, download the “Determining When an MSDS Is Necessary” decision tree from the Tools page.
Did you find this advice helpful? Learn how you can get all your OSHA questions answered by registering for OSHA Healthcare Advisor’s “Q&A Roundtable: Solutions to Your Compliance Challenges” audioconference.
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David LaHoda
David LaHoda, the managing editor of Medical Environment Update and OSHA Watch, has produced healthcare training videos and consulted for medical practices and ambulatory healthcare facilities.
David has written 196 posts.
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