Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Chemical Safety Information

Quick Links | MSDS Requirements | How to obtain an MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) are required as part of the Institutions Safety Program to meet compliance with the both federal and state regulatory standards.

If you cannot locate the manufacturer specific MSDS, you can contact HSE to assist you in obtaining the information. 

MSDS can be obtained by clicking on the website links below or calling 410-955-5918 (internal extension 5-5918) or e-mailing HSE department at hseinfo@jhmi.edu.

Quick Links to MSDS Databases & Chemical Information

ChemWatch

http://jr.chemwatch.net/chemffx/ (Chem Watch FFX)

For reference click here to access the quick search guide.

http://jr.chemwatch.net/chemgold3/ (Chem Watch Gold 3 – More search features / Mac friendly)

Vermont Safety Information Resources,  Inc. (SIRI)   
http://siri.org

Interactive Learning Paradigms, Inc. 
http://www.ilpi.com/msds

Chemfinder
http://chemfinder.cambridgesoft.com/

NIOSH – On-line chemical safety information
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgname-a.html

CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG)
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/

MSDS Requirements

Johns Hopkins staff, including Supervisors, 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's can mean access to paper copies or electronic access via the Internet.

HSE 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 information online.

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. 

Emergency contact information is available at: 

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hse/emergency/

For more information about our chemical and safety policies, see:

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hse/policies/index.html

How to Obtain an MSDS

Our recommended guidelines for obtaining an MSDS are as follows:

1. 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 HSE.

2. Use the Internet access to find an MSDS for a chemical or product.

3. If you still can't locate an MSDS, you may request one from our office or by using the “Right-to-Know Chemical Information Request Form.”

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