Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 15:52:51 +0000
Reply-To: lucydillman**At_Symbol_Here**COMCAST.NET
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: lucydillman**At_Symbol_Here**COMCAST.NET
Subject: Re: lab space
Comments: To: ILPI

One caution about MSDS on the computer or on-line. When we had the Nisqually Earthquake, our power was out and we unfortunately had a chemical spill. We were using MSDS on line, and had no access to any MSDS. So, I would like to recommend that at least some MSDS be kept as hard copies, one set in the lab and one set outside the lab. At least one city I worked in required that copies of MSDS be kept in a lock box outside the building, so there may be variations place to place. I would check with the local fire dept. They are usually very anxious to be helpful. Best regards, Lucy Dillman -------------- Original message -------------- From: ILPI > (first question not answered...) > > >Also, I have a question on MSDS. We have an island of cabinets in the > >middle of our storeroom and the file with MSDS are part of the island. > >I was recently told that they need to be kept by the door to the room. > >Is that true? They are about 12 ft from the door. > > OSHA's rule for MSDS access is "readily accessible" to the workers > while they are in their workplaces. There are no specific distances, > methods, maximum times etc. spelled out as the HazCom standard is > performance-based. There should be no barriers to access (locked > cabinet, having to ask a supervisor etc.) > > OSHA does not regulate students, so all of this is in the context of workers. > > From the point of view of the fire department, they'd rather have > them accessible outside the lab in case the lab is on fire. There is > nothing wrong with keeping more than one set of MSDS's as long as you > keep both books up to date. You can even keep them on a computer > (provided that everyone covered by the standard has access and knows > how to retrieve them). > > LOTS more on everything you ever wanted to know about MSDS here: > http://www.ilpi.com/msds/faq/ > > Our hyperlinked version of the HazCom standard: http://www.ilpi.com/msds/osha/ > > Best regards, > > Rob Toreki > -- > ====================================================== > Safety Emporium - Lab & Safety Supplies featuring brand names > you know and trust. Visit us at http://www.SafetyEmporium.com > esales**At_Symbol_Here**safetyemporium.com or toll-free: (866) 326-5412 > Fax: (859) 523-0606, 4905 Waynes Blvd, Lexington, KY 40513-1469

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