Archive for: Ask the Expert—Hazard Communication
Ask the expert: MSDS information by telephone
Q: Is receiving material safety data sheet (MSDS) information by telephone an adequate backup for an electronic MSDS system?
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.
Ask the expert—Electronic MSDS systems
Q: Is putting our material safety data sheet (MSDS) binder online in compliance with OSHA?
Ask the expert: Hazardous substances in unmarked containers
Q: Our office decontaminates used instruments overnight in an unmarked basin. Is this an OSHA violation?
Ask the expert—May I get rid of material safety data sheets for household products?
Q: To clean out my files, may I eliminate material safety data sheets (MSDS) for household products such as soaps and cleaners without incurring an OSHA violation?
A: You can do without MSDS for consumer products commonly used in the workplace if employees use the products according to the label.
Ask the expert—Spill response
Q: What is the standard volume for “large” and “small” spills?
A: Sometimes the rule of thumb on this question is that you can consider anything 1 gal or less a small spill, and everything above 1 gal a large spill. However, depending on what materials are in question, you might need to make adjustments.
Ask the expert—MSDS for household products
Q: Must my practice have material safety data sheets (MSDS) for household products used in the workplace?
A: This is a common question; the classic examples being glass cleaners such as Windex and correction fluid such as Wite-Out.
Ask the expert—Written plan
Q: Must a medical practice have a written hazard communication plan?
A: If hazardous chemicals are present in the workplace, OSHA requires a written hazard communication plan. The plan must include:
