As a rule, for handling chemicals, you need to have updated safety data sheets in place. Up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) can meet Occupational Hazard and Safety Administration (OSHA) policies. Having the SDS records alone doesn’t mean you are meeting OSHA requirements for handling chemical materials. This is because you need to update and maintain the records to avoid safety lapses.
Every time OSHA inspects your premises, it expects compliance with existing regulations. Furthermore, you may need to produce up-to-date safety data sheets for inspection. All SDS records need to be clear and available at all times. Given that the information is not for inspections only but also for your staff to understand.
If you have an efficient internal system of datasheet management, you can update your SDS records easily. To assist you in this, you can use sds software which provides easier management.
Benefits Of Using Safety Data Sheet Software
Given that you handle hazardous material, you need a semi-autonomous system that delivers. Safety data sheet software can be beneficial in several ways. To begin with, it saves on time and cost. By using automated systems, you reduce time wasted on files and manual data entry. This allows you to concentrate on other areas like staff training and cost control.
Additionally, the software reduces the risk of non-compliance with OSHA regulations. This is because you can update new standards and put them in place sooner. Aside from this, your staff can stay up to date with industry standards. Such close monitoring can help you reduce the risk of accidents or chemical exposure.
Despite having these software benefits, you still need Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Read below for ways in which you can ensure your safety data management is efficient and up to date.
- Centralize Safety Data Sheet management
Although you can delegate SDS to individual departments, this may create duplication. As a result, it may waste time and resources. To achieve this, you can have a central safety data sheet center. Of course, every department can still access any information they need. However, any changes to the information need to be from one source.
- Contact Manufacturer
In so doing, the manufacturer gives you the latest information about the product. This way, it ensures your safety data sheet is up to date. Besides, it provides an open channel for any follow-up you may need in the future.
To add, you can get all information you need from the manufacture at once. On the other hand, using a third party may create back-and-forth communication, which wastes time.
- Train Your Staff
One thing to remember is who handles the chemicals the most. For this reason, your staff needs to have proper and up-to-date knowledge of your products. This also includes the latest government regulations and SDS best practices.
Generally, your staff requires accurate and up-to-date information. Thus, team members can ensure your SDS management is consistent and up to date. For example, employees can practice policies on using s on using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In effect, this can reduce exposure to chemicals if there’s an accident. Because of training, you can communicate your safety data sheet expectations too.
Moreover, handling chemicals within your company may not need close supervision. This is because each staff has clear information on how to handle, store, and dispose of products.
- Maintain A Detailed Inventory
Alongside the safety data sheets, you need to keep a clear record of all chemicals on your property. In simple terms, this list shows details of chemicals you use or store on your premises. Such details need to show chemical names and their composition. Other information includes details of the manufacturer and batch numbers. Where manufacturer details are not available, then details of the supplier should suffice.
Such inventory details allow your SDS management to have a reference point. Furthermore, it gives you information to provide in case of an accident.
- Make Use Of New Technologies
Safety data management used to have a manual approach. As per the recent Globally Harmonized System (GHS), SDS helps companies follow current regulations. If you have a good SDS system, you can adopt any new SDS formats by GHS.
When you have a good software system, updating product information is easier. In this way, you can comply with the latest OSHA regulations. Also, you’re able to track any batch of chemicals within or outside your company. The result can save on time otherwise spent reviewing volumes of documents.
Conclusion
Your safety data management system is only as good as your SOPs. Your SOPs can use available tools and technologies to assist in staff training and practice centralization. As such, integration of these tools can allow you to have consistency and reduce accident risk.
Aside from consistency, you can be up to date with OSHA regulations. Being up to date can also help when you need to follow up with manufacturers and suppliers.
