Using An SDS Binder Template And Your MSDS Book

If you need to create an SDS book for your company then you need to read this. We will explain everything that you need to know about MSDS binders, MSDS categories, MSDS book requirements, and more. It is very important that you get this right and that you have all of the proper tools for the job.

What Organization Requires Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)?

The OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) demands that all companies that manufacture or import chemicals have a safety data sheet for each of these chemicals. You need to comply with the OSHA MSDS binder requirements and all of your employees need to know where the safety data sheet binder is located so that they can access it.

It is important that you understand that MSDS and SDS are the same. Both of these terms are commonly used. We recommend that your MSDS binder has plastic sheet protectors in it for durability. It’s likely that people will use the MSDS folder a lot so you need to do everything that you can to protect the pages.

What is an MSDS Book?

Your MSDS book will contain details of the properties of each chemical that your business handles. It needs to contain information about handling and use precautions, procedures for first aid and emergencies, the potential hazards of each chemical, routes of exposure, and control measures to use.

Although you can keep your safety data sheets on a computer we recommend that you actually have a physical MSDS notebook or binder that is easily accessible in a hurry. Once you have created your MSDS binder we strongly recommend that you don’t keep it in a locked drawer or cabinet. Make it easy for everyone to access it fast.

A good SDS binder example will contain details of the manufacturer of each chemical such as:

• The company name
• The address of the company
• Their phone number
• Their email address/website
• Their fax number

For every chemical that your business handles, you need a safety data sheet that includes:

• The chemical identity
• Information on handling and storage
• Ingredients that are hazardous
• Information about spill control, disposal, and cleanup
• Chemical and physical properties
• Information about explosions and fire
• Health hazard information
• Exposure limit information
• Instructions for the use of protective clothing
• Information on reactivity

It is essential that you provide as much useful information as possible in your safety data sheet book. You have a responsibility to take good care of your employees so be sure not to miss anything out. We will cover how you need to create your MSDS binder and the SDS binder requirements that you need to follow below.

Your Options with Safety Data Sheet Binders

There are a number of options available to you when it comes to MSDS binders. You can choose from a vinyl binder, a poly binder, a turned-edge binder, an entrapment binder, and so on. It is important that your MSDS binder is lightweight and flexible and that it has pockets on the front, back, and spine so that you can add inserts.

You can search online for a printable MSDS binder cover sheet. It is easy to find an SDS binder template that you can use to make your binder the most effective. Apart from an MSDS cover sheet, you will need an insert for the spine of the binder which clearly shows that it is the company MSDS folder.

Just do a Google search for “SDS cover sheet for binder”, “SDS binder cover” or “MDS cover sheet for binder” and you will find what you need. Having a brightly colored binder is also a good idea. You want to make your SDS book as visible and obvious as possible.

There are other things that you can purchase for your MSDS binders such as dividers that have tabs for each chemical, individual sheet protectors, an SDS sign that can be located near to the binder, and even a wire rack for your MSDS binder. Please go here to see our extensive range of MSDS binders and accessories.

How to Create Your MSDS Binder

If your company does not have an SDS system in place then there are two main steps you need to follow to implement one that will be very effective. The first thing to do is to identify the chemicals that you use in your company. Follow the two steps below and you should create a good system and not overlook anything.

Step One – Make a good start

Read the OSHA standard thoroughly and then identify the suppliers that provide you with chemicals that the standard covers. Don’t forget to include materials used for bulk processing and individual items such as welding rods if you use these.

Ask your suppliers to send you a list of all of the chemicals they have supplied to you in the last 3 years. Next, perform a comprehensive survey of your workplace. Make sure that you perform an inventory of all the different areas. Ask the people that are conducting the survey to record the details of all chemicals they discover, where they are used, and other details.

Create a record of all SDS chemicals for each department. Ensure that all of the chemicals that you have identified in the previous steps are included here. Write to all of your suppliers and request the existing SDS for all of the chemicals that they supply to you.

Plan out a table of contents for your MSDS binder and ensure that you list every chemical. Make someone responsible for your SDS book and provide them with a master index that they have complete control of.

Step Two – Your MSDS Binder

You will not find that OSHA provides an SDS binder example. They leave the organization of the binder up to each individual requirement. As long as your binder satisfies the OSHA standards it is up to you how you create your MSDS folder.

Why not organize your binder in alphabetical order by chemical name? Just make it as simple as possible for people to find the information that they need. Create spreadsheets that list all of the products alphabetically. Add a page number to every chemical on the spreadsheet. Create your individual sheets and index them in the binder in line with the spreadsheet.

After completing each safety sheet insert it into a plastic protector and then place it into the right section of the MSDS binder. You can make your binder really great by indexing the chemicals by their product name and their chemical name. This will make it really easy to locate the correct information.

Add a section in your MSDS binder that describes the policy of your company on safety hazards. Make it clear who is responsible for safety implementation and the safety hazard policy. You can also add a section about all of the different suppliers that you use.

It is vital that you use this SDS binder template to create the best SDS book that you can. Make sure that you purchase the right supplies and conduct a thorough audit so that you include everything.