WAC 296-800-17015   Obtain and maintain material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for each hazardous chemical used.  

Note:

MSDSs are a type of employee exposure record. Therefore, you must comply with the material safety data sheets (MSDSs) as exposure records, WAC 296-800-180, located in this book.

     You must:

     • Obtain a MSDS for each hazardous chemical used as soon as possible if the MSDS is not provided with the shipment of a hazardous chemical, from the chemical manufacturer or importer.

Note:	• To obtain a MSDS, you may try calling the manufacturer or checking their web site.
	• If you have a commercial account with a retailer or wholesaler, you have the right to request and receive a MSDS about hazardous chemicals you purchase.
	• If a chemical is purchased from a retailer with no commercial accounts, you have the right to request and receive the manufacturer's name and address so that you can contact them and request a MSDS for the chemical.
	• Whoever prepares the MSDS is required to mark all blocks on the form, even if there is no relevant information for that section.
	• If you have problems getting a MSDS within 30 calendar days after making a written request to the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor, you can get help from WISHA. You may contact your local regional office for assistance or make a written request for assistance to the:
	Department of Labor and Industries
	Right-to-Know Program
	P.O. Box 44610
	Olympia, Washington 98504-4610.
	Include in your request:
	– A copy of the purchaser's written request to the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor.
	– The name of the product suspected of containing a hazardous chemical.
	– The identification number of the product, if available.
	– A copy of the product label, if available.
	– The name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor from whom the product was obtained.

     You must:

     • Maintain a MSDS for each hazardous chemical:

     – Keep copies of the required MSDSs for each hazardous chemical present in your workplace.

     – Each MSDS must be in English. You may also keep copies in other languages.

Reference:

See material safety data sheets and label preparation, chapter 296-839 WAC, if you choose to create your own MSDS or label.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-18-090, § 296-800-17015, filed 9/2/03, effective 11/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,[49.17].040 , and [49.17].050. 01-23-060, § 296-800-17015, filed 11/20/01, effective 12/1/01; 01-11-038, § 296-800-17015, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01.]