MSDS Requirements

[Chrissy Jackson]

this email came in recently from a community manager: I know we are responsible for having an MSDS notebook on the premises for all hazardous materials that we use and store. But what about materials brought in by a contractor? What if they are stored overnight on our property? Then what?

[Chrissy Jackson]

Special thanks to Cory Theriot, CTS, CHMS, CSA, Corporate HSEQ&T Director of Total Safety, Inc., for his help on this answer.


Please see the following regarding MSDS Sheets:

1. Once you no longer store or use a particular chemical on site, must you
still keep the MSDS sheet and how long?
Yes, you must keep the MSDS sheet. Each MSDS will be kept for a
period of no less than thirty (30) years following discontinuance of use of
the substance or agent controlled by OSHA's Hazard Communication
Standard.

2. Who is responsible for having a MSDS sheet for hazardous chemicals that a
sub-contractor brings on site to use for a job?
A sub-contractor is responsible for having a MSDS sheet for any
hazardous substance that is brought on site. However, the Company/Property
owner is responsible for mandating that the contractor follows OSHA
requirements. The Company/Property owner should require the sub-contractor
to provide a binder with his MSDS sheets representing all hazardous
substances that they may use or store on site

3 Storage overnight? -
Again, the Company should collect the MSDS binder from the
sub-contractor and keep it on site as long as is necessary. That should keep
everyone in compliance.