Page 25 - Test

The Employer Must

1. Ensure that an up-to-date MSDS is obtained from a supplier the first time a controlled
product is received at the worksite.
2. Take steps to obtain an up-to-date MSDS from the supplier when the one at the
worksite is no longer current.
3. Prepare a MSDS when producing a controlled product in the workplace.
4. Update any employer-prepared MSDS (same rules apply as for the supplier).
5. Ensure that a copy of all MSDS are made readily available at the worksite to:
i. workers who may be exposed to the controlled product; and
ii. the Joint Health and Safety Committee, if any, or to a health and safety
representative, if any.

Note: “Readily available” means located close to workers, in a physical copy form (paper), and
accessible to workers during each shift.

For example:
It is not acceptable to keep MSDSs in an office that is located away
from the work area, or that is locked during the night shift.

Municipalities may keep MSDSs in a binder, on a bulletin board, or in a special file. It is up to
each municipality where to keep them, as long as workers can access them. They may be
made available on a computer if the employer takes all reasonable steps to keep the computer
in working order, makes a hard copy of the MSDS available upon request, and provides training
to workers on how to access the information on the computer.

6. The employer may provide MSDS in a different format from the original supplier MSDS,
or as long as it:
i. contains no less information than the supplier MSDS (unless a claim for
confidential business information is filed with the federal government), and
ii. the supplier MSDS is available at the workplace, and the employer-developed
MSDS indicates that fact.

Employer-produced MSDS have the advantage of being able to include local regulatory requirements
(e.g. exposure limits or waste disposal requirements) and can incorporate information on hazards and
control measures specific to the worksite. As well, the employer can present the MSDS in a standard
format to make it easier for workers to read and understand.

GENERIC MSDS

Where a group of different controlled products have a similar chemical composition, a single generic
MSDS may be used for all of them. Examples include a line of paints or family of welding rods. In
these cases, the names of all the products to which it applies will be listed on the generic MSDS. It is
helpful to highlight the name of the product your municipality uses.

AMHSA 23