Notes from the field: Do you a need a MSDS for Wite-Out?
As I was looking through the material safety data sheet (MSDS) notebook in an office, I found one on distilled water, Wite-Out, and dishwasher soap. None of these substances are considered hazardous. If the product is available commercially to the general public and is used exactly as directed on the label, it does NOT need a MSDS. Substances such as bleach, chemotherapy drugs, some injectible drugs, and glutaraldehyde DO require MSDS.
To determine if a substance in a medical practice needs an MSDS, first ascertain if the substance is dangerous or hazardous? Are employees exposed to it?
Check all locations for chemicals, liquid or aerosol drugs and medications (except those in solid, final form; ie, tablets, pills, capsules) disinfectants, and x-ray developers. Tablets or pills designed to be dissolved or crushed by an employee PRIOR to administration are NOT in “final form” and require a MSDS.
See if the label contains a warning such as “flammable,” “requires ventilated area,” “combustible,” or “corrosive,” If any of these warnings are on the label, then the substance is considered hazardous by OSHA and is regulated under the hazard communication standard.
If an employee administers a particular solution, check the package insert to see if there is a “caution” or “warning” section. If there is, then you DO need a MSDS.
Consider what you would do if an employee accidentally got the solution in his/her eyes. The answer is on the MSDS.
If a chemical is corrosive, toxic, strong sensitizer, or ignitable, it is classified as a hazardous substance.
File the MSDS in a binder clearly labeled “MSDS”, and keep copies of the sheets close by, if the substances are stored away from a central location in the office.
Editor’s note: Download “Determining When an MSDS Is Necessary” flow chart from the Tools page to help with MSDS decisions.
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Kathy Rooker
Kathy Rooker is the safety officer and owner of Columbus Healthcare & Safety Consultants, Canal Winchester, OH (krookerchsc@gmail.com or 614-833-9092). Rooker has more than 35 years experience working in the healthcare field and currently provides OSHA and CLIA consulting and inspections for physician practices and conducts OSHA annual training seminars in and around Central Ohio. In her "Notes from the Field" posts, she shares real life OSHA compliance issues and offers solutions to these sometimes complicated situations.
Kathy has written 19 posts.
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