Hewlett Packard Company (HP) is a renowned multinational technology company that specializes in providing hardware and software products and services. One of the essential aspects of ensuring workplace safety is the availability of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals. In this article, we will explore how HP facilitates the access and maintenance of SDS, the importance of SDS for employees, and the responsibilities of both employers and employees in handling SDS.
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
An SDS, formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a comprehensive document that contains vital information about the properties, physical and health hazards, safety precautions, and protective measures for handling, storing, and transporting hazardous chemicals. It serves as a guide for employees in dealing with specific chemicals, including personal protective equipment (PPE), first aid procedures, and spill clean-up procedures.
Importance of SDS for Employees
Employees who work in environments where hazardous chemicals are used must have access to SDSs. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires SDSs to be readily accessible to employees during each work shift. This accessibility ensures that employees have the necessary information to handle chemicals safely and mitigate any potential risks or hazards.
By having access to SDSs, employees can understand the potential dangers associated with specific chemicals and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and others in the workplace. It also enables them to respond effectively in case of accidents, spills, or other emergencies involving hazardous substances.
How to Obtain SDS
HP has implemented a system to ensure the availability of SDSs for its employees. Each area manager or principal investigator (PI) is responsible for maintaining an up-to-date manufacturer-specific chemical inventory in the EHS Assist system. By keeping this inventory complete and updated, corresponding SDSs are readily available in the system.
Former ceo of hewlett packard: léo apotheker's tenure and careerIf, for any reason, an incomplete inventory prevents access to the EHS Assist system, the area manager or PI must ensure that manufacturer-specific SDSs are available for lab workers. These SDSs can be obtained directly from the manufacturer by requesting a copy or downloading it from their website. In cases where a vendor-specific SDS cannot be obtained, it is crucial to replace the chemical with one for which an SDS is available or contact the appropriate authority for further guidance.
Storage and Maintenance of SDSs
HP utilizes Chemwatch, an online database, to store and maintain SDSs for the University community. SDSs are typically accessible through this database. In the event of a power outage or loss of network capability, Chemwatch provides a phone number that employees can call to access SDSs by having them read aloud or faxed to a desired location.
It is essential for area managers or PIs to ensure the proper storage and maintenance of SDSs for their workers. SDSs can be stored electronically or as paper copies. However, they must be easily accessible to all staff during work hours, located in the work area itself, and not behind locked doors or on password-protected devices. In cases where electronic copies are used, back-up options, such as storing PDFs on laptops or USB sticks or connecting computers to battery backups or generators, should be available to ensure access during power outages or network disruptions.
Training on SDSs
All employees at HP are required to undergo training on how to read, understand, and access SDSs. This training ensures that employees are knowledgeable about the information provided in SDSs and can effectively utilize them to maintain workplace safety. The training must cover both the primary and secondary means of SDS access, if applicable, and should be documented for each employee.
HP offers specific training courses such as Lab Chemical Safety and HazCom with GHS to fulfill the training requirement. These courses provide comprehensive information on handling hazardous chemicals and understanding the hazards associated with them.
Hewlett packard keyboard layout: features, benefits, and customizationWhat is the purpose of an SDS?
The purpose of an SDS is to provide detailed information about hazardous chemicals, including their properties, hazards, and safety precautions. It helps employees understand the risks associated with specific chemicals and enables them to handle them safely.
Who needs to have access to SDSs?
OSHA requires that employees who work with hazardous chemicals have access to SDSs. This includes laboratories, facilities, or shops where chemicals are used.
How can I obtain an SDS if I don't have access to the online database?
If you don't have access to the online database, you can obtain SDSs directly from the manufacturer. They may be provided with the chemical order or available for download on the manufacturer's website.
Can SDSs be stored electronically?
Yes, SDSs can be stored electronically. However, it is essential to have backup options in case of power outages or network disruptions to ensure continued access to SDSs.
Revolutionizing digital connectivity: hewlett packard data centerIs training on SDSs mandatory?
Yes, training on SDSs is mandatory for all employees. It ensures that employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge to read, understand, and access SDSs for maintaining workplace safety.
Hewlett Packard Company (HP) recognizes the importance of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in ensuring workplace safety. By facilitating the access and maintenance of SDSs, HP enables its employees to handle hazardous chemicals safely and respond effectively in emergencies. Through training and proper storage, HP ensures that employees are knowledgeable about SDSs and can utilize them to maintain a safe working environment. SDSs play a vital role in promoting workplace safety and should be readily accessible to employees in any organization.