Safety data sheets require proper storage facilities that will ensure information is not lost. By placing them under good care, you avoid getting water spilled on them, you avoid tearing them, or worse, you will avoid losing the SDS documents. With everything being under the digital watch, the SDS documents are available through the online database. The only harm that can befall the SDS documents when under proper software is a power outage. Therefore, organizations need to get SDS tools that will ensure this document's safe storage as backup plans during emergencies. Employers in Canada have the following SDS tools to choose from:

SDS paper binder tool

Even though digitalization has eliminated SDS paper binders' use, having both soft copy and hardcopy formats of the SDS software will be more advantageous to the company. When you urgently need the SDS document but there is a power outage, the easiest backup would be a non-electronic solution.

Notice boards

Employers need to have the SDS form in a place where employees cannot miss seeing it. These documents do not need to be in an area that is safely locked away or placed in a computer with a password that no one except the employer knows. The notice board can act as a storage tool when the employer decides to cover the notice board with a tough transparent cover.

Portable devices

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document created in line with the UN’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) that chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors should provide to the end user. The aim of an SDS is to ensure that all workers within the reach of these chemicals have the required information to safely use, store and handle them. The sheet should therefore be easily accessible to all workers at all times. 

What does an SDS entail?

This document is created in a universal format. It contains 16 sections. Sections 1 to 8 of the sds tool comprises critical information including the chemical manufacturer, emergency contact information, chemical composition, safe handling and emergency control measures. Sections 9 through 11 and 16 provide technical information including chemical and physical properties, exposure control, stability and reactivity information. Sections 12 to 15 includes transport information, regulatory, disposal considerations, and environmental impacts. 

Choosing the right SDS tools in Canada

There are several SDS tools suppliers in Canada. The right SDS tool depends on the size of your company, type of business and number of employees. With the electronic SDS tools, it is easy to find an SDS tool that meets your employees’ safety needs. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) gives guidelines that ensure a safe working environment for all workers through outreach, training, education, and other forms of assistance. The safety data sheets (SDS) are useful to workers using hazardous chemicals.  OSHA recommends that SDS should contain specific minimum information about the chemical, and any other useful information that communicates the hazard to the user and the environment. The information in the SDS guides workers on safe handling and emergency procedures. How helpful are OSHA SDS Databases?

Preparing SDS

As an employer, there are details you need to include in the osha sds database as required by OSHA in the Hazard Communication Standards.  In a nutshell, the information is in the following sections.

Chemical identification

Hazards identification

Chemical ingredients

First-aid measures

Fire fighting measures

Accidental release measures

Handling and storage measures

Exposure control and PPE recommendations

Reactivity

Additional non-mandatory and any relevant information

Sourcing SDSs

You need to source for SDS and make them readily available to your employees. Companies must give SDS’s for their chemicals. If using SDS software for storage, ensure you have a backup system that addresses the issue of power breakout, equipment failure, and other emergencies. SDS documents are updated from time to time. Ensure you have the recent version for the specific chemical. 

The increased need for online SDS tools by many companies is not only to achieve compliance but also because it is a worthy investment and makes business sense. Managing safety data sheets can be engaging, consuming much time and resources. Technology has been used to improve all sectors in the business world, and using electronic management has many advantages.

Reduced Risks

The dangers of chemicals to the health of workers and the environment can be devastating if not prevented. Accidents have caused explosions that kill staff, destroy property and adversely contaminate the environment, damages that take many years to heal from. An efficient management system lessens search occurrences. Even better, compliance with the health and safety regulations saves the company from hefty fines and possible closure.

Saves money

Manually, sourcing for SDS documents, printing and placing them everywhere chemicals are used is menial work that consumes time and resources. An online sds compliance tool automates most of these processes and can be accessed at any place using electronic devices. The time saved can be used on more important duties to bring more revenue.

Efficiency

One advantage of online tools is customization. You can customize many tasks as befits the activities in your company. Admin controls help one to set preferences and adjust them as the need arises. In addition to getting the correct updated SDS documents for particular products, you get notified on hazardous chemicals and can effectively avoid using them.