Chemical Management Key Topics: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
On this page:
- What is a MSDS?
- Users of Chemicals Must Have Access to MSDS
- ChemWatch - the University's Central MSDS Database
- More Information
What is a MSDS?
The Occupational Health & Safety Regulations 2007(Vic) require manufacturers and suppliers to determine whether a chemical they supply is hazardous. If the chemical is classified as hazardous, then a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be supplied.
A MSDS must be written in English, must contain certain information and must be less than 5 years old.
A MSDS should not be confused with a product specification sheet, which provides information on characteristics of the product and directions for use.
Users of Chemicals Must Have Access to MSDS
Staff and students who handle hazardous chemicals or work where hazardous chemicals are stored must be provided with access to a current MSDS. This access must be as close to the work area as reasonably practicable.
- If computers are easily accessible in the work area, then an electronic MSDS database can be used to fulfill this requirement. The electronic database in use at the University will usually be ChemWatch (see below).
- If computers are not easily accessible in the work area, paper copies of MSDS may be required. These MSDS will usually be printouts sourced from ChemWatch. If you are using paper copies, be aware that it is easy for them to be misplaced or to fall out of date. It is important to have a management system to review your paper copies regularly for currency and completeness.
Note: MSDS are not required for non-hazardous chemicals, but such MSDS still contain useful safety information. It is strongly recommended that MSDS for non-hazardous chemicals are retained and consulted regarding safe use, handling, storage and disposal. A copy of an MSDS also provides a method of determining whether a chemical is hazardous if this is unknown, or if this needs to be proven using documentation.
ChemWatch - the University's Central MSDS Database
All computers with a University IP address can access ChemWatch, which is a MSDS and chemical inventory management database system. ChemWatch contains a large library of manufacturer MSDS that all staff and students can access.
Current MSDS should be available in ChemWatch for most hazardous chemicals available for retail sale in Australia, especially for those that have been purchased by the University before.
Help with using ChemWatch is available on the ChemWatch page.
MSDS not found in ChemWatch
If a MSDS for a chemical classed as hazardous is not available in ChemWatch,then you must complete the following steps prior to purchase or use:
- Obtain the MSDS from the manufacturer/importer/supplier;
- Confirm that the MSDS meets regulatory requirements, using the following guidance material:
- MSDS Checklist [.doc]
- Further detailed advice is contained in section 1.4 Material Safety Data Sheet in the Chemical Management Guidelines [.pdf]
- Cause the MSDS to be added to ChemWatch using the instructions at How to add new MSDS to ChemWatch.
A chemical classed as a hazardous substance should not be purchased or used if an MSDS is not available,* or if it is apparent that its MSDS contains significant discrepancies or omissions.
* Exceptions: a MSDS is not required for a chemical that has been manufactured within and will only be used or supplied within the University of Melbourne. For more information on manufacture or supply of chemicals, refer to section 1.9 of the Chemical Management Guidelines [.pdf].
More Information
- Further detailed information is available in sections 1.4 Material Safety Data Sheet, and 1.6 MSDS Database, in the Chemical Management Guidelines [.pdf].
- For advice and assistance, please contact your EHS Adviser or Manager in the EHS Unit.
- For advice about MSDS management systems aside from ChemWatch that may be in use in your workplace, please consult the system's administrator, your laboratory manager or your supervisor.