Understanding MSDS Validity and Renewal Frequency in Chemical Safety Management

Dear Members,

While checking the MSDS folders, I found that many of the data sheets were 6-7 years old. My question is, how long is an MSDS good for? Is there a set frequency for the renewal of MSDS as per the Factory Act or any other chemical safety-related acts? I kindly request an update on the information regarding these very old MSDS sheets.

Regards,
Sathyan

MSDS is valid if there are no changes in the manufacturing/application process. Check with the manufacturers on the validity of the old MSDS.

Pon, Chennai

Dear Sathyan,

MSDS remains the same unless there is no change in the product. For a smart move, just get the product details, shoot an email to the manufacturer, and update the file.

Thank you.

Dear Sathyam,

As such, there is no act or rule existing in India that mentions the life of MSDS. Many companies follow a lifespan of 3 years for MSDS as part of their best Safety Management Practices. They establish a system in which they contact the suppliers/manufacturers of chemicals to get the updated MSDS once every three years.

Dear Pon, thank you for your continuous participation in the EHS forum these days.

Dear Raghu, welcome back! Let's try to make the forum active again like before.

Thank you.

Dear Mr. Sathyan,

As rightly mentioned by Dipilji, there is no such provision in the Factory Act for frequency. However, it is necessary for the manufacturer to update the MSDS with the current manufacturing process. As part of continual improvement, if the route of manufacturing is changed by the manufacturer, then the MSDS needs to be revised to reflect the changed route.

For example, a process change like in the chemical industry if washing to the final product was previously done using solvent "A" and it is replaced with "B."

Customer Control - As a customer, we need to audit the supplier's facility for the same so that the supplier also remains alert for MSDS updates.

Thanks,
Abhay