Why You Need to Ensure that the GHS Safety Data Sheets are Updated
The chemical manufacturers as well as the distributors or those importers need to maintain the SDS of each product and these should also be aligned with the OSHA guidelines. The deadline of which has been passed but there are a few importers and manufacturers that need to comply. The failure in complying with that deadline would actually lead to penalties and there are also some companies that have also paid such fines.
The non-compliance takes place due to the fact that the upstream suppliers hasn’t given the GHS SDS and the dealer or the user was not able to check this. The dealers as well as those manufactures should first check the inventory and they should tally this with the SDS that they have to guarantee that those safety data sheets have the latest information.
It is quite important to regularly check the inventory as this is a good practice and this would also help find out the missing GHS safety data sheets. When they are going to purchase chemicals or those formulations, then it is quite important to ask for and get the SDS from the supplier. The record of their communication is one safety measure when the supplier doesn’t provide the data sheet. To avoid paying a fine as well as to be able to claim one’s innocence, then the proof of communication may also be used. Such updated safety data sheets are also very important for training the workers regarding the safety measures and to implement such in the workplaces aside from giving such environment protection.
Also, you have to know that the SDS is one important thing in case of mixtures and substances that match the defined hazards under such GHS system. Also, OSHA has actually implemented some GHS implementations and also it is likely that those hazards are going to be redefined later on and this will necessitate the importers, dealers or the manufacturers to update the GHS safety data sheets as needed.
You must also realize that the updated SDS would surely help in the trade. The authorities and the buyers from another country may want the updated SDS document. Suppliers should provide data sheet along with the shipment or they and also the buyers may face some issues in clearing consignments. This may even have an impact on supplies in the coming years too. The safety data sheets should also be provided in printed format and it can also be accessed through electronic format from the online database.
It is certainly wise for the many chemical manufacturers, importers and exporters to keep those experts in the preparation as well as the maintenance of the safety data sheets and also conversion to such electronic format and the translation apart from training if they would stay compliant now and in the future.