NIH, National Library of Medicine,
TOXNET a cluster of databases on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, and related areas
Access to Internationally peer reviewed information on chemicals commonly used throughout the world.
MSDS Requirements
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS') are required as part of Cornell's
Laboratory Safety Program (Chemical Safety for Laboratory workers) and the
Hazard Communications Program to meet compliance with the OSHA Laboratory Standard, and the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.
Supervisors, including Principal Investigators and Laboratory Managers, are responsible for ensuring their employees have access to Material Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous chemicals used in the workplace or laboratory. Material Safety Data Sheet information must be accessible for employees during all shifts, including laboratory personnel. Access to MSDS' can mean access to paper copies or electronic access via the internet.
EH&S is recommending a "rule of thumb" that an employee must be able to produce and MSDS for any hazardous chemical in their workplace or laboratory within 5 minutes.
EH&S strongly recommends paper copies be kept in the workplace or laboratory; however, having MSDS websites bookmarked is acceptable as long as all employees in the workplace know where to find the MSDS and are trained on the use of computers to access MSDS'. Some departments maintain three ring binder "Big Red Books" with MSDS'. See your Department Safety Representative for the location of the departmental MSDS collection.
Keep in mind that any accidents involving a chemical will require an MSDS being provided to emergency personnel and to the attending physician so proper treatment can be administered.
MSDS are now available for most chemicals from most manufacturers at numerous Internet World Wide Web sites. If you cannot locate the manufacturer specific MSDS, you can contact EH&S to assist you in obtaining one or you may use a "generic" MSDS.
There are also special requirements for laboratories creating hazardous chemicals or intermediate products in chemical reactions. For more information, see the
Cornell University Chemical Hygiene Plan.
How to Obtain an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
Our recommended protocol for obtaining an MSDS is as follows:
Keep and use the MSDS which is shipped to you with a chemical, or use the MSDS which is forwarded to you or your department from the EH&S office.
Use WWW Internet access to find an MSDS for a chemical or product. MSDS information is now widely available on the World Wide Web.
Use your department's MSDS collection, often in a large, red three-ring binder in your department's library or other common use location, to find an MSDS for your chemical or product.