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MSDS vs. SDS

What’s the difference?

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Safety Data Sheets

2http://www.msdsonline.com/blog/2012/08/from-msds-to-sds/

“Hazard Communication Standard has been revised by OSHA to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)”

• There were many acceptable MSDS formats• Now the GHS format has 16 sections in a set

order (very similar to the ANSI Standard 16 section MSDS commonly

• used in the U.S.)• Visit MSDSonline.come to see an ordered

list of sections

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MSDS SDS Transition

3http://www.msdsonline.com/blog/2012/08/from-msds-to-sds/

• Expect to get a mixture of MSDS and SDS formats from manufacturer until transition complete– Dec. 1, 2013- employees trained to read SDS and GHS

labels– June 1, 2015- chemical manufacturers/distributors start

shipping with only GHS format– Dec. 1, 2015- only GHS formats shipped– June 1, 2016- Employees fully compliant with HazCom

2012 (Hazard Communication revised 2012, new OSHA standards)

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Recommendations

4http://www.msdsonline.com/blog/2012/08/from-msds-to-sds/http://compliance.safetysmart.com/

• Best practice for the transition:1. Designate a group handler of GHS transition2. All group members check for updated

SDS when shipments arrive3. Establish system to compare SDS to MSDS

for new hazards4. Train all group members to read SDS,

especially hazards in Section 25. Archive MSDS until all converted to SDS

• Digital MSDS system can make the transition easier6. Make any safety changes to accommodate new hazards