MSDSs that represent non-hazardous chemicals are not covered by the HCS. Paragraph 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8) of the standard requires that “the employer shall maintain in the workplace copies of the required MSDSs for each hazardous chemical, and shall ensure that they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their workarea(s).” OSHA does not require nor encourage employers to maintain MSDSs for non-hazardous chemicals. Consequently, an employer is free to discard MSDSs for non-hazardous chemicals.
Reference Interpretation and Compliance Letters:
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requirements for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). [10/28/96]
- The need for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). [1/18/95]
October 2018
Tags: HAZCOM, OSHA
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