The nature of hazardous materials compliance is rapidly changing and workplace and environmental safety issues should be of paramount importance to any business. Because the role of an MSDS is to provide detailed information on each hazardous chemical component, including its potential hazardous effects, its physical and chemical characteristics and recommendations for appropriate protective measures, the availability and distribution of these documents is a tightly regulated process. Having an effective MSDS distribution program in place is an essential component of a fail-safe hazard communications program.

According to 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(6) the responsibilities of chemical manufacturers or importers are to ensure that distributors are provided with an MSDS with their initial shipment, and with the first shipment after a data sheet is updated. Distributors are required to provide MSDS in the same manner that chemical manufacturers and importers are. The MSDS must be provided to commercial customers with the initial shipment and with the first shipment after a data sheet has been updated. Retail distributors must provide, upon request, MSDS to commercial customers and post a sign or otherwise inform them that a MSDS is available.

See Flowchart for Visual Interpretation

Managing a successful MSDS compliance program "in house" can be an overwhelming task. Outsourcing the distribution of your MSDSs to ChemTel will result in significant cost efficiencies, increased productivity for your staff, increased value to downstream end-user customers, improved compliance, reduced risk and protection of your corporate brand.

ChemTel ensures a trustworthy and reliable method of MSDS provision to any and all parties you designate.

MSDS on Demand (MOD) Program

Requests may be submitted through our toll free phone number, via email to a customized email address, by fax or by mail. The MSDS(s) will be transferred electronically to the requesting party. Large fulfillment requests may be delivered via an FTP site, electronic zip files, by mail or courier service. Benefits include:

• 24-hour, 365-day access and fulfillment
• Client directs who is authorized to receive MSDS’ (i.e. company employees only, customers only, or open access)
• Prompt fulfillment for any MSDS on file
• OSHA regulatory support
• Call forwarding to/ conferencing with National Poison Control Center
• Foreign language translation on live calls
• Detailed monthly request and fulfillment log report provided
• MSDS not provided by client will be sourced from ChemTel database or directly from manufacturer if necessary
  
  

RESPONSE TIME

ChemTel always strives to fulfill MSDS requests in an expeditious manner however response times may vary depending on the type of request. Emergency requests will take precedence over all others and will be fulfilled immediately within 15 minutes of the request. Emergency requests include those relating to human exposure, poisoning, fire, chemical spill, environmental contamination, or animal exposure. Requests resulting from an OSHA or other regulatory body inspection will be treated with the same level of urgency.
Critical non-emergency requests will be fulfilled immediately to within 90 minutes. Critical non-emergency requests include non-emergency employee, customer, or consumer requests.