DCHAS-L Archives, Apr 23 2014 - Re: [DCHAS-L] Online SDS subscription and emergencies

I'm at Dr. Crowl's University. I was a member of the selection and later the implementation committee for MSDS-online for the University. Al (our OSHS and dchas member) can expand on this but MSDS-online is available on any computer, anyplace including off campus, but it is protected behind our University login system. That includes smart phones and we even post QR codes on lab doors with direct access to the link, although if you use a "tough" password it is a bit of pain to login (upper case, special characters, etc. require a bit of manipulation and you don't have that finger muscle memory to type it out). But, I have direct confirmation that it acceptable to inspectors - during a recent MIOSHA inspection I was asked to produce an MSDS (pre-SDS) for a chemical, I used my smartphone and he accepted it (I did have to "prove" I was using MSDS-online, not Google, by showing him the log in).. BTW, as a back up there is also a "fax back" option if you want to call and have a specific MSDS faxed to you.

Jeff Lewin

Biological Sciences

Michigan Tech University

On Wed, Apr 23, 2014 at 5:24 PM, Daniel Crowl <crowl**At_Symbol_Here**mtu.edu> wrote:

I believe the OSHA lab standard requires that the MSDS's be available at all times within the laboratory. Not down the hall or in another room.

With on-line access to an MSDS library, I'm not sure if this has all been settled with OSHA.

Technically, if you have a computer in the lab with internet access 100% of the time this should be OK. Not clear how this will work in an emergency.

My university has an online service, but I still prefer hard copy in my lab. I only have a dozen chemicals so it is no big deal.

Maybe others will have more information.

Dan

On Wed, Apr 23, 2014 at 1:16 PM, Suzy Arnette <suzyarnette**At_Symbol_Here**boisestate.edu> wrote:

Good afternoon,

We are looking to get a subscription to MSDSOnline that links in with our inventory software. All of a sudden we are getting a lot of questions about what people should do in an emergency. They have been trained to grab their MSDS binder and go to the emergency room, etc. and the idea of not having something tangible is worrying a lot of people.

Have any of you dealt with this issue? How have you talked your customers down and encouraged them to embrace the new system? How do you handle emergencies and accessing MSDSOnline remotely?

Thanks so much,
Suzy

--
Suzy Arnette, PhD
Lab Safety Officer
Radiation Safety Officer
Boise State University
Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability
Phone: 208.426.3906
MS-1826
http://operations.boisestate.edu/EHS

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