Leveraging (M)SDS Content for Global Chemical Management
Kawar, Kal ; VanKeulen , Aad
(Actio, Portsmouth, NH and Atrion, Montreal, Canada)
This case study shows how the use of a relational database to house MSDS content facilitates the production of GHS compliant MSDS including the extended SDS with attached exposure scenarios. MSDS data can be further leveraged for a variety of regulatory reporting purposes as well as to screen and identify substances that require pre-registration under REACH or tracking under RoHS and WEEE. Computer technology is the only way to assemble, organize and unlock all of the secrets of your chemical footprint. The first step in this process is to have all raw material M(SDS) entered into a relational database. The more granular the database the better, but at the very least, the database fields should include: manufacturer, substance/component name, CAS number, percentage of component and location. More elaborate architectures have all of the M(SDS) data entered into unique, separate fields enabling sophisticated reports to analyze ranges of information: flash points, boiling points or UELs and to use this data to feed M(SDS) authoring systems. Planning for GHS requires an analysis of target markets. If your concern is the United States, then having all of your raw material M(SDS) in a relational database will speed up employee training and assist in authoring new M(SDS) by feeding data required to properly classify the hazards associated with the material. If you are authoring MSDS for Europe, you will need to have substance level information that can be used to build an Extended SDS, one that supports GHS but also includes exposure scenarios for product use, this is required under REACH. Whether you develop an in-house system or choose a third party provider, accurate raw material information can be leveraged for multiple purposes including: GHS M(SDS) creation; REACH substance identification; identifying materials of concern; and being able to rapidly respond to changes in the global regulatory environment.