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MSDS Posting Requirements

Any time a company purchases a chemical, a document called a Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS, is included. This document details important information about the chemical, including its composition, manufacturer, and important hazard and first aid information. There are specific requirements for employers regarding MSDS documents, including posting them.

  1. Location

    • All employers who operate work sites with chemicals are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to offer open employee access to these documents. Part of this access includes posting clear, easy-to-understand signage in a conspicuous location, which indicates the location of all MSDS documents for employees to access.

    Language

    • OSHA requires that MSDS documents be made clear and understandable for all employees, even those who do not speak English fluently. This not only refers to additional copies of MSDS documents in the additional languages spoken on the work site, but also to any information regarding MSDS. Signage indicating the location of these documents must comply as well, and include the location in all languages spoken on the work site.

    Right to Know

    • OSHA also requires employers to post conspicuous signage, in all necessary languages, informing employees of their right to MSDS information. These signs also must include information regarding contacting OSHA, and the location of the nearest OSHA office.

    Sign Maintenance

    • Employers are also required to ensure that all signage pertaining to MSDS information or their right to know about workplace hazards and OSHA is not altered, defaced, or covered up. The signs must be clean and readable at all times.

    New Chemicals

    • Whenever an employer introduces a new chemical into the workplace, notice must be given to employees regarding this chemical. A posting must also be made, stating in clear, easy-to-understand language that a new chemical has been introduced, and that all employees should study the MSDS for important safety information, as well as identifying the chemical by name.

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