MODEL REQUEST TO SUPPLIER FOR MSDS OR SDS
THE PROBLEM: OSHA says that if you do not get a complete MSDS or SDS [after June 2015, it must be an SDS] from hazardous chemical suppliers you must request one, either by phone or in writing.
HOW TOOL SOLVES THE PROBLEM: Here’s a Model Letter you can adapt and use to request SDSs/MSDSs from your own suppliers.
MODEL LETTER TO HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL SUPPLIER REQUESTING MSDS/SDS
[Your company letterhead]
January 15, 2016
Via Regular Mail
Cam Michael, Distribution Manager
Hazards R Us Chemical Suppliers
123 Toxic Drive
Any Town, State 66666
Re: Request for Safety Data Sheet
Dear Mr. Michael:
On November 1, 2105, ABC Company received a shipment from you containing 36 barrels of Chloroform, Technical Alcohol Free, including a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) listing information about the chemical required by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200(g)(2).
As you know, as of June 1, 2015, changes to OSHA MSDS requirements took effect replacing MSDSs with Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). Unfortunately, the MSDS received with the Nov. 1, 2015 shipment was an MSDS rather than an SDS; and the information it listed was information required for an MSDS to list under previous rules before the SDS requirements took effect. Accordingly, that MSDS does not satisfy current OSHA requirements.
We therefore request that you immediately send us an SDS for the product that provides all of the information and follows the format required for an SDS by the current OSHA rules.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Very truly yours,
Ethel Lean
EHS Director
ABC Company
Signature: ______________________________________