Frequently Asked Questions

General Site Help

Searching for an MSDS

Q.	What are all the for on the site?
A.	Glad you asked! Those are help files. Whenever you see one, please click it to learn more about the function or feature you are using.
Q.	How do I search by product name?
A.	A name search is the primary method of searching for an MSDS. The name search searches through all the words that make up the name of the MSDS. There are just a few simple rules to keep in mind when using this function. One word searches as a text substring. For instance, For instance, searching for raid will return products with the words braid, chloraid, hydraid and raid in the name. Multiple words search as exact match. All of the words you enter MUST be in the product name. The words do not need to be in order or even proximity to each other. Remember that less is more. Enter the fewest number of unique words to find the MSDS you want.
Q.	When would I search by CAS number?
A.	A CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) number is a unique number given to a chemical structure. For example, isopropanol, isopropyl alcohol and 2-propanol are all the same chemical structure and have the same CAS number. If you wanted to find all the products containing this chemical, you can simply search for the CAS number 67-63-0.
Q.	When would I search by Damarco MSDS number?
A.	Damarco assigns a unique number to each MSDS. All inventories contain this number, as well as the name and manufacturer of the MSDS. If we are assisting you or you are assisting someone else, giving the number of the MSDS to view or print it is easier than starting over with a name search.
Q.	How do I limit my search results?
A.	If the name search is returning too many options in the search results, you can take several steps to limit them. Choose words that are more unique or choose more words that you know are part of the name. Common words like ‘the’ or ‘cleaner’ may not be helpful. If you know the brand (and spelling) of the cleaner, enter it. Limit the search results by supplier/manufacturer. Greasecutter is made by Ecolab. Searching on ‘Grease’ in the name field and ‘Ecolab’ in the manufacturer field will bring you quickly to the MSDS you want.
Q.	Why are some MSDS names in red?
A.	MSDS in red are marked ‘confidential’ to your organization or part of your administration. If you would like this MSDS to appear in other inventories in your organization, please contact us with the MSDS number and which divisions should be able to view it. We will need to adjust the confidential flag for you.
Q.	Why are some MSDS names in blue?
A.	These MSDS have had synonyms or ‘nicknames’ entered for them. You may have found the MSDS by searching for that synonym. The real name will always appear in the list. IF you click on the MSDS number or hover your mouse over the name, the synonym will appear.
Q.	The MSDS I am looking for is not in my inventory. Can I find it elsewhere in your database?
A.	The default database search is your organization’s database. Switch to ‘global’ to search all of the publicly available MSDS in our database. If you cannot see ‘global’ as an option, your administrator may have turned off this option. Please contact your supervisor for further assistance.
Q.	The MSDS I need is not in the system. How can I obtain it?
A.	You have several options. If you click on Links, you will find hundreds of manufacturers who make their MSDS available on the web. Send us the link to the MSDS or send us the pdf, to support@damarco.com Make sure you tell us what organization you are with and what inventory the MSDS should be added to. If the manufacturer is not linked, you may want to contact the manufacturer directly. Their phone number should be on the container of the product. Ask first for the MSDS to be sent to you electronically. You may also have it sent to support@damarco.com. Please notify us that this MSDS is being sent to us on your behalf so we know which inventory to add it to. Otherwise, it will simply be put in the global database. If it is not available electronically, please ask to have it mailed unless you have an immediate need. Fax is our least favored option, as there is usually a substantial decrease in quality. If fax is the only option, please send it to us at 1-877- Please note we DO NOT accept generic MSDS. Sites like Cornell, Vermont Siri, and many other ‘free sites’ that contain many different MSDS are NOT manufacturer’s MSD and the accuracy cannot be verified. If you need us to help you find an MSDS, please contact us.
Q.	I found the MSDS I need, but it is old or of poor quality. Can you add one that is newer and/or of better quality to the site?
A.	We can if the manufacturer is still in business and/or the product is still being made. Please click on the MSDS number, then on the 'update this MSDS' link in the upper right corner to notify us of your need. You may also click here to submit your request. You will need to know the MSDS number.
Q.	I found a manufacturer's site that is not in your list. How can I submit it to you?
A.	We appreciate your desire to improve the site. On the Links page, please click on 'Submit a link' in the upper right corner and enter the site information.

Inventories

Q.	What is included in the inventory?
A.	An inventory includes all of the active MSDS at that level in the structure of your organization. Archived MSDS have been separated out and can be found on the archive page. If you click on the name of a site/division that has subdivision beneath it, all MSDS for all of those subdivisions will be rolled up in the division inventory. To see the inventory at the lowest level, simply click on the name of that subdivision.
Q.	There are items in our inventory we no longer use. How can they be archived?
A.	Archiving is an administrative function. Please contact your supervisor or designated safety person to perform this function, or if appropriate, gain access to perform this task.
Q.	There are items in the global database that should be added to our inventory. How can they be added?
A.	Adding MSDS to your inventory is an administrative function. Please contact your supervisor or designated safety person to perform this function, or if appropriate, gain access to perform this task.
Q.	I would like a copy of the inventory. How do I request one?
A.	You may choose to have the inventory emailed to you or you may generate it and then download it from the website. Click here to watch a demonstration.
Q.	The inventory workbook has links for the product names. What happens when I click on one?
A.	If your computer is on the Internet, clicking on the link will take you to our website and open the MSDS. You do not need to login first; the link takes care of that. If your computer is not on the Internet, you will likely see a 'No Internet access' or 'page cannot be displayed' message.
Q.	I need copies of the individual inventories for a number of sites. Do I have to generate each one individually?
A.	No. You may choose on the Inventory page to generate multiple worksheets in one workbook or one workbook per inventory. You may email these to yourself, or download them from the downloads page. A short wizard will walk you through the options on the Inventory page.

Troubleshooting

Q.	I cannot open an MSDS.
A.	First, assess if you cannot open ANY or just ONE or whether it seems to be random. If you have used that computer to open MSDS in the past without a problem, check to see if other users are having the same problem (call us if you cannot try another computer or ask another user). If no one can, let us know. There may be a problem on our site. If other users are not having any difficulty, try re-installing Adobe Reader. It may have corrupted or an update may be necessary. If you cannot open a single MSDS, clear your browser cache. If that does not resolve the issue, contact us.If the problem appears to be random, check to see what pdf reader you are using. We suggest the Adobe reader, as it seems to open all pdf. Not all readers open all documents.
Q.	I cannot see my Inventory.
A.	Not all logins have permission to view the inventory. If you do not see an Inventory link on the lower green bar, you do not have permission. If you would like to add this functionality, contact your supervisor. If you are the account administrator, please contact us.
Q.	I cannot perform administrative tasks.
A.	Make sure you are logged in with your administrative login and password. If you are unsure, log out and log back in again. If you still cannot see the Admin link, the permission may have been removed. Please contact your account administrator. If you are the account administrator, please contact us.
Q.	Nothing happens when I click on an MSDS (or other links) on your site.
A.	If you are using pop-up blocker software, it may be preventing some screens from opening. Check to see if your browser is displaying a message about blocking pop-ups. If you see such a message below the URL, you may be able to right click it to allow the popups. You might also try holding down the CTRL key while clicking on the link. In newer operating systems and some browsers, you can add this as a safe site to your blocker. Please contact your supervisor or system administrator if you need assistance.

About MSDS and the Hazard Communication Standard

About MSDS

Q.	What is an MSDS?
A.	OSHA has defined an MSDS as "written or printed material concerning a hazardous chemical which is prepared in accordance with section G of the Hazard Communication Standard"(HCS).
Q.	Why do I need to know about them?
A.	If you are an employer, you may be required to comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. If you are an employee who works with hazardous chemicals in the workplace, your employer is required to establish a Hazard Communication Prgram and train you about those chemicals.
Q.	What is the Hazard Communication Standard?
A.	OSHA has written the following simple summary of the HCS.
Q.	What does RTK mean?
A.	RTK stands for Right-to-Know, and many people use the term Employee Right-to-Know Law in place of the Hazard Communication Standard. The wording comes from OSHA, who describes the purpose of the standard being based on employees having the "right-to-know" the hazards and identities of the chemicals they work with.
Q.	Who determines if a product needs an MSDS?
A.	The manufacturer or importer of the product is responsible under the HCS 1910.1200(d) for determining if a product is hazardous and covered under the standard.
Q.	What information is required to be included on an MSDS?
A.	Product name (should be the identity used on the label) Supplier’s name, address and phone number Hazardous Ingredients Identity of any carcinogens Exposure limits of the chemicals Chemical and physical properties Physical Hazards First Aid Procedures Health hazards including signs and symptoms of exposure and any medical conditions aggravated by exposure. Routes of Entry Spill clean-up instructions, safe handling instructions, and personal protective equipment recommendations. Date of Preparation of the MSDS or date of the last change
Q.	Who decides what other information should be included in an MSDS?
A.	The manufacturer or importer of the product.
Q.	Shouldn't all MSDS look the same?
A.	While it would be nice if all MSDS were formatted the same, OSHA can currently recommend but not mandate that everyone use the same format. That may change within the next 2-5 years.  OSHA is considering a modification to the Hazard Communication Standard.  A standard format would be required for MSDSs (to be called Safety Data Sheets in the future).  The format would be consistent with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) adopted by the United Nations.  It is actually the 16-section SDS format originally developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), with a switch in the order of sections 2 and 3 (Hazard identification and Composition).   There is broad international acceptance for this change.  In fact, many international countries have already started the implementation process.

Employee Access to MSDS

Q.	Does OSHA allow for electronic access to MSDS?
A.	Yes, as long as there are no barriers to an employee having access. For instance, if your electronic system requires the use of the fax machine, your employees must have access to a phone and fax machine; if your system requires access via a computer, the employee must have access to a computer.
Q.	What does OSHA mean when they say my employees need immediate access?
A.	There can be no barriers to access. Employees should be trained on how to access the information and to understand what they are reading. OSHA has refrained from putting an exact timeframe on how long it may take an employee to obtain the information.

Managing MSDS

Q.	How often do I need to update my MSDS?
A.	The employer is under no obligation to update the MSDS. The supplier is responsible to send you an MSDS with your first shipment of the products, and with the next shipment after a significant change has occurred to the MSDS. Am employer should include in their written Hazard Communication Program how they handle the receipt of MSDS’s to ensure that the most current MSDS received is available to their employees.
Q.	Can I keep other documents in place of an MSDS?
A.	These items may be retained but cannot replace the MSDS unless they contain all of the required elements of an MSDS.
Q.	Does every product need an MSDS?
A.	No, some products are exempt from the HCS. Only hazardous chemicals used in the workplace are covered. Exempt products include: Food, drugs and cosmetics in the workplace for employee consumption Solid drugs in final packaged form (e.g. tablets, capsules) for delivery to a patient. Consumer products containing hazardous substances where the employer can show that it is used in the workplace for the purpose intended by the chemical manufacturer or importer of the product, and use results in a duration and frequency of exposure which is not greater than the range of exposures that could reasonably be experienced by consumers when used for the purpose intended.
Q.	Who is responsible for sending me the MSDS?
A.	The supplier or distributor who provides you with the product.
Q.	Do I have to keep all the MSDS that are sent to me?
A.	You only have to keep MSDS for hazardous products. You can request your supplier to only send you MSDS for products required to have one. However, many employers keep MSDS, even on non-hazardous materials, as it is sometimes easier to keep the paper than to maintain a list of which products do not require one.
Q.	If I obtain the same chemical from multiple suppliers, do I need an MSDS from each manufacturer?
A.	Yes. The HCS puts the responsibility of providing a MSDS on the supplier of the product. That MSDS must have the name, address, and phone number of the supplier. A system might be able to be developed that would work to have one MSDS cover all manufacturers, but would be unlikely to be worth the effort.
Q.	How long do I need to keep MSDS after we discontinue use of the product?
A.	Employee exposure records, which include MSDS or an inventory of the MSDS that an employee may have been exposed to, must be kept for 30 years after an employee leaves the organization.