Technical Translation of MSDSs

A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is a document designed to provide employees with the necessary information to safely use a chemical or mixture The document also contains information regarding emergency procedures and possible hazards of the product as well as how to use, store and handle it. The intent of a MSDS is to communicate how to safely use the product, how to handle an accident should it occur, and how to recognize signs of overexposure.

Technical translation is the process of translating a technical document, such as a safety data sheet or a workplace label, from one language into another. By using technical translation services instead of a dictionary translation, you can ensure that the proper terms and correct connotations are being used in the document. Technical translation services are very useful in the European Union because of the vast number of languages being used. If an industrial product is to be used in more than one member state, the safety data sheet must be available in each state in the official language of that country. Using technical translation services for your documents will guarantee that each employee in contact with the document will be able to interpret the information accurately in a time of need.

When translating technical documents such as a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) note that straight translations may lead to a non-compliant document. MSDSs need to be authored to be compliant of the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is to be used, so often direct translations are infeasible. For example, you cannot simply take a U.S. compliant MSDS and translate it into Danish and have a document which is compliant in Denmark. Sometime, rather than translating your company’s MSDS, it is prudent to take the existing document and author a new set of MSDSs that is compliant in the necessary jurisdictions and in the necessary languages. It is also important to note that using a machine translation program is not an appropriate to translate documents of this nature. Errors in translating labels, instruction, or safety precautions could lead to regulatory, product or civil liability. In addition, an incorrect translation could be misinterpreted, leading to a possible misuse of the product and physical or property damage.

What products are exempt from MSDS requirements?

Material safety data sheet (MSDS) requirements apply only to chemicals and mixtures that will be used in industrial or institutional settings. Therefore, all consumer products that will be available for use solely by consumers are exempt from MSDSs. If a product is for sale to consumers but also is used in a workplace setting, an MSDS still needs to be created for that product.

In Canada, material safety data sheets are regulated by two legislating documents: the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and the Controlled Products Regulation (CPR). Certain products are exempt from requiring an MSDS sheet because they are controlled by other regulations. Explosives are exempt from the HPA and CPR because they are governed by the Explosives Act. Drug, food and cosmetics are also exempt because they are included under the Food and Drugs Act. Likewise, pest control products and nuclear substances are also exempt because they are regulated under other acts. Finally, tobacco products are also exempt from MSDS requirements.

In the United States, the two governing documents that apply to MSDS requirements are the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some examples of products that are exempt from these MSDS requirements include articles, food and alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, drugs, hazardous wastes, tobacco and its products, and wood and lumber.

There are other products that are sometimes exempt from MSDS requirements, depending on the form that the product is in. In some cases, even though the product may seem to be exempt, an MSDS sheet is required. Therefore, it is best practice to consult with a professional organization when determining whether or not you require an MSDS sheet for your chemical product.

What Is The Purpose Of A MSDS?

A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is a document available in the workplace that applies to each hazardous chemical that may be used by employees. The general purpose of a MSDS is to provide the necessary information for the safe usage of chemicals in the workplace. Each MSDS provides information about a certain substance in terms of general use; it is still important that employers teach their workers about hazards in certain situations that may arise.

In order to fulfill its purpose, an MSDS contains five details that are helpful to create a safer workplace. First, a MSDS states the identification of the substance. This could include the name and use of the product, as well as what hazardous ingredients are part of its composition. Second, an MSDS sheet describes first-aid information regarding signs, symptoms and treatment that will assist in an emergency. An MSDS sheet also lists the full mailing and shipping address of the manufacturer along with a contact phone number and emergency number if needed. This can prove helpful when you require more information on a product than what is listed on the MSDS. Fire information, including personal protective equipment for firefighters, flammability data on the product, and what suitable extinguishing agents should be used, is very important information to know when in a situation where a fire may be started. Finally, an MSDS sheet provides details on handling and storage to ensure that workers are using and storing the chemical in the safest possible way.

MSDS Sheet – Find at Nexreg

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document designed to provide workers, employers and emergency personnel with the appropriate information needed to handle and work with the chemical. MSDSs describe a wide range of information, from physical data such as the melting point and flash point to health effects, such as toxicity, reactivity and first aid symptoms and treatments. They also provide information on spills and leaks procedures and firefighting methods to ensure the safest situation possible under such extremes.

Currently, the global requirement is that a MSDS must be completed for all hazardous chemicals. The MSDS should be distributed and available during the production, use, storage, testing, transportation, and destruction of these chemicals.

The Nexreg team of experts possesses a comprehensive knowledge of regulatory requirements and extensive experience in MSDS authoring for a number of jurisdictions. Nexreg stays current by retaining a dedicated regulatory research department to stay ahead of new regulations before they get passed into law.

Nexreg MSDS authoring services include:

1. E.U. SDS authoring, fully compliant in the European Union
2. NAFTA MSDS authoring, fully compliant in the United States., Canada and Mexico
3. OSHA/WHMIS MSDS authoring, fully compliant in the United States and Canada
4. OSHA MSDS authoring, fully compliant in the United States
5. WHMIS MSDS authoring, fully compliant in Canada
6. GHS Compliance
7. REACH Compliance