1. MSDS vs. SDS
What’s the difference?

2. Safety Data Sheets There were many acceptable MSDS formats
“Hazard Communication Standard has been revised by OSHA to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)”
There were many acceptable MSDS formats
Now the GHS format has 16 sections in a set order (very similar to the ANSI Standard 16 section MSDS commonly
used in the U.S.)
Visit MSDSonline.come to see an ordered list of sections

3. MSDS  SDS Transition
Expect to get a mixture of MSDS and SDS formats from manufacturer until transition complete
Dec. 1, employees trained to read SDS and GHS labels
June 1, chemical manufacturers/distributors start shipping with only GHS format
Dec. 1, only GHS formats shipped
June 1, Employees fully compliant with HazCom 2012 (Hazard Communication revised 2012, new OSHA standards)

4. Recommendations Best practice for the transition:
1. Designate a group handler of GHS transition
2. All group members check for updated
SDS when shipments arrive
3. Establish system to compare SDS to MSDS
for new hazards
4. Train all group members to read SDS,
especially hazards in Section 2
5. Archive MSDS until all converted to SDS
Digital MSDS system can make the transition easier
6. Make any safety changes to accommodate new hazards