Electronic MSDS Management

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jerimee Bortner on June 11, 2010 at 9:37am

We have been "paperless" with our MSDS sheets for several years now. I would hate to go back, and would encourage anyone not using an electronic system to try it!

Permalink Reply by Mike Johnson on June 11, 2010 at 9:38am

Paper binders are going to be in the past as we move closer to GHS. What I can tell you though is that having your MSDS electronic allows us to push the company updates whenever the manufacturer comes out with a revised MSDS. For this reason, we are very popular with many companies, including Canadian companies. We automatically update over 12,000 MSDSs each week and just last year we went through 1,200,000 updates. For back-up purposes with your electronic MSDS management, we offer a fax-back service; which connects you directly with toxicologists and scientists that know their stuff when it comes to chemical information. If you are interested in hearing some more about our service or even seeing a live demonstration of it; please do not hesitate to contact me on here or at the number below.

Mike Johnson
Safety Executive
MSDSonline
312.881.2906

Permalink Reply by Mike Johnson on June 11, 2010 at 9:39am

Jerimee

You would be surprised of the number of companies still manually "updating" their multiple binders at their multiple stations. I could only imagine the frustrations that come with this tedious task!

MJ

Permalink Reply by Craig Banning on June 11, 2010 at 9:44am

My biggest concern is proving "availability”. Can all employees find a msds on a computer or website? Unfortunately for us I am not confident with some of our employees. If I have them in a binder that is accessible to all employees and does not get locked up, I feel I can point to it and say there it is. Also how do regulators look at the possibility of a power failure?
I would like to transition to an electronic format, it would make life easier for me, but I am reluctant due to the items above.
I am interested in what the rest of the group thinks.

Permalink Reply by Jerimee Bortner on June 11, 2010 at 9:55am

Craig, We have emergency generators to power our office, so the sheets are still available even in the event of a power failure. We have a "public" computer in a central area that all employees can access, and get assistance accessing the sheets any time. In addition, they can access the sheets from ANY internet connected computer, so they can do it from home. Also, our local emergency response services have access and can get the sheets on their own if necessary. We still maintain a hard copy list of all chemicals in the facility, but that's it.

Permalink Reply by Mike Johnson on June 11, 2010 at 10:03am

Craig

Good Morning to you and Happy Friday. Thank you for your input today. OSHA loves to see companies going electronic with their MSDS management, not only for the cleanliness and organization of your documents but also saving the environment one tree at a time. As technology advances, many companies are deciding to go “paperless” with their management. That being said, we have to make sure there are a few backups in place. With regards to proving “availability”, we are very confident that our database of over 3.5 million manufacturer original documents contains the chemical or product you are looking for. If a customer is unable to find that specific document, they are able to ‘request’ that MSDSonline reach out to the manufacture and obtain that document for them, at which point, we will notify you of the document being available for you to obtain and add it into your site specific library if you so choose. We do not password protect any of your employees workstations with direct access to your library of documents due to the fact it will prevent you from being compliant with OSHA regulations. All of your workstations will receive a direct link to your specific library of documents at which point your employee can have complete searchable access to your companies documents. Also, great question about power failure it happens to be the most asked one with regards to an electronic system. But rest assure, with your electronic account, you will receive a number of different back up storage options such as a DVD, CD-ROM, or Flash Drive where all of your documents will be ‘backed-up’ to, in a searchable format, that you are able to take to any other, operating system, to quickly gain access to your documents. We will also download a back up copy of your library to your desktop in case your company suffers from internet connection problems. With these back-up methods in place, OSHA will deem you completely compliant! Would you be able to spare about 15 minutes of your time for a demonstration? I would love to show you hands on.

Mike Johnson
Safety Executive
MSDSonline
312.881.2906

Permalink Reply by Rick Holm on June 11, 2010 at 10:12am

We have been 100% electronic for as long as I have been with the company (11yrs), we also keep one paper backup. All of our (50+) work stations are computerized, and it takes only seconds to locate MSDS on any of the 2000 chemicals we may have in our steel mill. about the only issue I run into is "Do all employees know how to access it in the computer".

Permalink Reply by Mike Johnson on June 11, 2010 at 10:26am

Hey Rick

I understand where your coming from and you are right, not all people know how to ‘work’ a computer to their needs. Fortunately, we provide all of our customers administrators and employees complete and in depth training on our system. It is a very simple and user friendly system to learn and will become very easy for anyone to navigate through after a few times of use. Also, with our system, we provide a High Quality Interactive demonstration of the account that has point and click instructions and definitions of the account in case you happen to add new workers on the floor, or if any of your employees need a quick reminder on a certain tool.

Permalink Reply by Mike Johnson on June 15, 2010 at 2:52pm

How about this? Having instant access to Training, Written Plans and updated OSHA Regulations?