Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.
Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.

Call us toll free at
877-508-0433Good People Deserve Good Lawyers. ®

Call us toll free at
877-508-0433
Good People Deserve Good Lawyers. ®

What is an MSDS and why do you need it?

As we have mentioned numerous times in this blog, there are many ways for an employee to get hurt or ill on the job. Hazardous chemicals are a significant cause of workplace injuries or illnesses for workers in Las Vegas and elsewhere. It is crucial, therefore, to protect your employees by providing information on the chemicals that are stored at your place of business.

The Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS, contains vital information on chemicals and other hazardous substances that are present across a variety of industries. It is not only useful, but required by law to display or provide appropriate MSDSs so your staff has access to important information in case of an exposure. According to the United States Department of Labor, you might post an MSDS in a cleaning supply closet, in the employee breakroom, in a computer folder or another place that is reasonably accessible and known to your employees.

What kind of information is on an MSDS? Restaurants might stock several types of strong cleaners and solvents for their cooking and cleaning equipment. Construction, mining and laboratory industries might utilize corrosive acids, flammable liquid and toxic substances. The MSDSs you provide would contain information on the health effects and emergency treatment for exposure to the harmful substances at your workplace. If you use milder supplies typically found in a household, such as vinegar or consumer window cleaner, you would not be required to provide an MSDS for these items.

It is important for the health and safety of your employees to provide appropriate MSDSs at the workplace. Abiding by these regulations may also protect you from legal action. The information presented here is not intended to replace the advice of a lawyer.

John P. Aldrich
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