October 2004              return to the newsletter contents page

Most Distributors Provide MSDSs Upon Request

SEDA recently surveyed members to determine what the most common practice is in the industry regarding MSDS distribution. OSHA regulations require that distributors of hazardous chemicals provide material safety data sheets (MSDS’s) to employers (customers). Section 1910.1200 of the OSHA regulations has caused some confusion among distributors as to their obligation in providing MSDS’s to employers.

Of the 14 distributors who responded to the survey, 12 (86%) indicated that they provide MSDS’s only upon the customer’s request. “A lot of the manufacturers put the MSDS sheets in the boxes. Otherwise we will send it when requested,” commented one survey respondent. Another indicated that they use symbols on their website to indicate which products need MSDS sheets so customers can request them when necessary.

Two survey respondents indicated that they send MSDSs with the customer’s initial shipment and with the first shipment after an MSDS is updated. One noted that they provide “MSDSs with every order a customer places. We also have access to MSDS through our web site and upon request if customers need an MSDS prior to placing an order.”

One commenter summed up the feeling that many members have about MSDS distribution—“This is a tough issue to manage efficiently in a more proactive way!”