SDS

[superbug]

I had this same issue with a chinese chemical provided to me. I asked for an SDS and the label pictograms did not match the sds pictogram. So I asked for a proper sds. They were unable to provide one that was correct. Most of the sds was N/A in places were there was a known hazard. I promptly sent all the chemicals back. Now I just use chem supply chemicals. I learnt the hard way.
Would someone please PM me the name of the company where they purchased please so I dont use them also.

[Soozle]

I've printed out the full SDS for all of the chemicals we have, whether they have signal words or not. Just being sure to be sure.... I've also saved a copy of the PDF into a folder on the staff drive for ease of access for all staff.

By searching online I've located an SDS for everything we have here. Most companies (if they still exist!!) have them available online.

Hi,
I am about to undertake printing the SDS for the whole school.
Do you have any advice regarding finding SDS as I have just spent hours hunting on Chemwatch - some were dated 2011 so out of date.
I also searched online as there are things such as dishwashing liquid and handwash but I can't find them.
I don't think I am using Chemwatch correctly either as it has to be easier to find than that!
Please help if you have time.
Many thanks
S

[Soozle]

Hi,
I am about to undertake printing the SDS for the whole school.
Do you have any advice regarding finding SDS as I have just spent hours hunting on Chemwatch - some were dated 2011 so out of date.
I also searched online as there are things such as dishwashing liquid and handwash but I can't find them.
I don't think I am using Chemwatch correctly either as it has to be easier to find than that!
Please help if you have time.
Many thanks
S

[bigmack]

Good luck Soozle .
Only hint I can give you if you are using Chemwatch is make sure the "Vender" Button is selected otherwise you get the generic "Gold SDS's"

Also search with the manufacture's name first .
EG "Diggers Methylated spirit" will find exactly that whereas typing " methylated spirits " won't necessarily bring up the Diggers brand .

And you are correct that there often aren't any new SDS's . A few items I have just had to choose the closest alternative and mark it on the print out

[Merilyn1]

Soozle - you have learnt that Chemwatch isn't always easy. I usually search on-line for the SDS (Chemsupply has an excellent site for their SDSs). I know some schools are told to use Chemwatch but some issues are that Safework NSW (formally Workcover) state that the SDS must be from the manufacturer, third party SDSs are not recognised. In addition, they must include the Australian contact details for the manufacturer.
If you are unable to obtain the correct SDS, you may substitute with a similar product. Fine for chemicals, not so good for things like flysprays, cleaning products which have specific formulations. If you can't find the SDS or a suitable substitute, you should consider disposing of the product.
Good luck with your searching.

[superbug]

Use the CAS number in chemwatch instead of name for undiluted chemicals. You will need to change from product name to CAS number.
or if you buy most chemicals from chem supply use the website for chem supply and punch in the product code found on the bottle.

[Soozle]

Good luck Soozle .
Only hint I can give you if you are using Chemwatch is make sure the "Vender" Button is selected otherwise you get the generic "Gold SDS's"

Also search with the manufacture's name first .
EG "Diggers Methylated spirit" will find exactly that whereas typing " methylated spirits " won't necessarily bring up the Diggers brand .

And you are correct that there often aren't any new SDS's . A few items I have just had to choose the closest alternative and mark it on the print out

This is very helpful, thanks bigmack

[Soozle]

Thanks heaps Merilyn1 and bigmack, this has been very helpful.
Soozle.
P.s I'm sorry if I commented in the wrong place, not sure of my way round here yet!

[Louise]

If you are a DET NSW school please refer to the Yammer Labbies, conversation regarding printing SDS's for whole school.

[Lorikeet]

I recently had to complete a whole NEW manifest of the chemicals we had as well as source all their SDS's - thankfully 60% of ours were Chemsupply - but you really SHOULD HAVE the SDS relavent to the brand you have purchased or as mentioned discard of 157 chemicals I have 5 ... Aqua Sand. Lime Water (which is made up anyway) Calcium Sulfate (plaster of paris) Graphite powder and phenolphthalein that I dont have manufacturers SDS ... But my HoD said it was ok to keep them and use alternate ...

[Soozle]

Thanks Kate

[Labbie]

For the DoE schools you only need a sds for solid or conc goods. Not Lime water and dulited solutions. Not too sure about the other schools. Some times it can be very misleading for new people.

[AnnNos]

You need a SDS for everything you buy in. If you buy in 1M HCl then you need the SDS. If you make it up yourself from concentrated HCl then you don't. Same with bromine water.

[Anastasia]

My understanding is that you need a Chemical Register with SDS and correct labelling for all hazardous substances whether bought or made up. So you need to check whether what you are making up and using is hazardous.

[Merilyn1]

The advice I received at Phillip Crisp's Lab Safety course was to have the SDS for hazardous substances that are bought in, not needed for solutions you make yourself.

[pinky]

Has any one got any more information on this as from march 2018. One staff member is telling me that we don't have to print as long as we can access on line which could even be through ipad or phone and another one is saying that we now have to have them all printed, help please.

[Merilyn1]

Hi Pinky
The legislation says that the SDSs have to be available to all workers who use the substance. The issue with the digital format, is what happens if there is a problem accessing this data, e.g. black out, internet outage etc. So it is up to your school which way you go. Here, I have relied on the printed format with copies in science and the front office.

If you keep searching on Chemtalk, I am sure I have ranted over the pros and cons before.

[Labbie]

If you are a DoE school, you must have paper copies. Well put Merilyn,

[Merilyn1]

If you are a DoE school, you must have paper copies. Well put Merilyn,

I'm starting to feel old by not wanting to trust anything electronic!

[Ian]

Hi Kate,
In that instance, I would use the ChemWatch "Gold SDS" The manufacturer's SDS is what is stipulated, but a good "wrong" SDS has got to be better than NO SDS. I'm sure that ANY sensible magistrate would concede that in court, if the "proper" one was not available!
Cheers
Ian