ChemWatch MSDS Management
ChemWatch is a Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and chemical inventory management system, undergoing implementation at the University of Melbourne.
ChemWatch enables you to search, view and print MSDS. It maintains current suppliers' MSDS.
- Log In to ChemWatch
- How to use ChemWatch to locate Manufacturers' or Suppliers' MSDS
- Help on using ChemWatch
- Inventory Setup
- How to add new MSDS to ChemWatch
Log In to ChemWatch
How to use ChemWatch to locate Manufacturers' or Suppliers' MSDS
- Download a printable copy of these instructions: ChemWatch Instructions Final 5 July 2006.pdf [105K].
Step 1
Go to the ChemWatch website at http://full.chemwatch.net/chemgold/
- Ensure that popup screen blockers are turned off prior to entering the web site.
Step 2
Enter the chemical name into the search area.
- eg Methanol
Step 3
Click Search
Step 4
A popup screen will appear, entitled ChemWatch List. There are four icons on the right of the ChemWatch List.
- Moving from left to right there is a label icon, then a moving torch icon, then a flashing red light icon.
- The last icon is for the Manufacturer’s/Supplier’s MSDS.
Click on the last icon - clicking on the chemical name will provide a generic MSDS only.
Step 5
The next screen is a list of all Manufacturers’/Suppliers’ MSDS for that chemical on ChemWatch.
- By default, the list is sorted alphabetically by Manufacturer’s/Supplier’s name.
- The list can be sorted or filtered by clicking on the yellow headings on the red background.
Click the yellow heading marked Ctry.*
- This will sort by the country of origin.
- All Australian MSDS will then be at the top of the list.
* Note: you may also need to try sorting or filtering MSDS by manufacturer/supplier or language.

Step 6
Click on the blue word MSDS in the column marked Type for your Manufacturer’s/Supplier’s MSDS in pdf format.

Help on using ChemWatch
For help on using ChemWatch, consult the ChemGold II Workbook. This may be viewed from within ChemWatch, by selecting "Documents" from the gold-coloured menu at top left, and then "Workbook".
Inventory Setup
An initial service free of charge to Faculties and Departments has been established to set up the chemical inventories in ChemWatch. Please download the following three files:
- Blank ChemWatch Inventory Template (v.2 17 July 2006) (.xls, 18.5 KB)
- ChemWatch Inventory Template Explanatory Notes (.doc, 41 KB)
- ChemWatch Inventory Template Example (.xls, 20.5 KB)
- This is an example of an inventory template which has been filled in correctly.
How to add new MSDS to ChemWatch
When you acquire a chemical for the first time, if this is classed as a Hazardous Substance and/or Dangerous Goods, you must supply a manufacturer's/supplier's MSDS to ChemWatch for inclusion in the database. The method for doing so is described in the following document:
- How to add new MSDS to ChemWatch [*.pdf]
Please note: access to this file is restricted to computers on the University of Melbourne domain. Should you have any difficulties accessing it, please contact your EHS Adviser for assistance.
Log in to ChemWatch