NEW!  GH&S Tools and Phrases Added to WebInsight

The upcoming release of Ariel WebInsight GHS Tools and Phrases adds a number of tools that enhance the user’s understanding of national implementations of the Global Harmonized System (GHS) for classification and labeling of chemicals.

• Official GHS Classifications - The new GHS tools in WebInsight allow the user to check for official GHS classifications provided by governments. The initial release gives access to substance classifications published by the Japanese, European and New Zealand authorities.
• Translated GHS Classifications based on Annex VII of the EU GHS proposal - Now users can input Directive 67/548 EEC Annex I Danger Symbol and R-phrase and the system will provide the right GHS translation based on Annex VII of the EU GHS proposal. Substance level carcinogen-mutagen-reproductive toxin (CMR) checks based on a variety of sources such as the US National Toxicology Program (NTP), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), EU Directive 67/548 also help with deriving the right GHS classification. The checks are integrated with Ariel’s "Generics" Database.
• GHS Labels - Finally, based on a GHS classification, WebInsight generates a GHS compliant label with the right pictograms, hazard and precautionary statements. The May version of the Ariel GHS tools will allow generating labels in English, Korean and Japanese. The labeling tool takes into account country variations in the implementation of GHS.
• GHS Full Text - The Full Text module provides single click access to all of the latest news on national GHS implementations. Overviews are written by the Ariel regulatory team to keep the user up to date on all the latest developments and provide an understanding of how countries are adopting GHS in their national regulatory frameworks.
• GHS Phrases - The 5.0 release of WebInsight introduced a new multilingual phrase module. The phrase module is provided at no additional charge to Ariel users. The multilingual phrase module allows access to (M)SDS header and sub-header phrases, R&S phrases and now GHS phrases in multiple languages.

If you'd like to speak to a sales representative about these new features, click here or call 800.360.3220. 

NEW! Upload (M)SDS Attachment to Resolve Customer Action added to 3E Online

Customers now have the ability to upload an (M)SDS attachment as an option to resolve a customer action.  Once the customer clicks on "Respond" from within the Customer Action List, users can select"Supplement my response with this reference document" to upload an MSDS. 

NEW! Improvements to 3E Service-MSDS

We are pleased to announce the release of new improvements to 3E Service.  The MSDS Shipment Form is the module used to electronically submit new MSDSs to 3E’s Processing Center, or to create a cover sheet for mail submissions. The new improvements have enhanced its functionality and ease of use. Key improvements include:

• Instead of one combined request form, the request has been split into two easy step-by-step processes – one for sending MSDSs electronically and another for sending hard copy MSDSs via mail.
• Submitter contact information is now saved, removing the need to re-enter the same information for each request.
• Electronic submissions:
  • File upload limit has been removed. Users can attach as many files as required, of any size (including compressed files, containing multiple MSDSs).
  • Users will receive a confirmation email notifying the user of when the MSDSs have been received by 3E’s Processing Center.
  • Custom value fields (product codes) can be submitted with each MSDS.

Also, to increase 3E Service’s international capabilities, we are adding three new languages to its interface: Russian, Vietnamese and Turkish. These new additions will bring the total number of interface languages to 15.

"We had a situation in which one of our Minnesota drivers was at a customer’s facility when an OSHA inspector was on-site conducting an inspection. Our driver was asked for an MSDS, and when he responded that he’d have to call as we operate under the 'remote worker' exception, he was told that we were non-compliant with the regulations. Is this a Minnesota thing? Could this happen in any other states as well?"

Yes, this is a "Minnesota thing". Minnesota is an "approved" state in which employee health and safety regulations are adopted and enforced by a state (vs. federal) agency – in this case MNOSHA. MNOSHA does not recognize an exception for workers who must travel between locations within a single shift [the "remote employee exception" found in Federal OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard – 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(9).]

Though I am not aware of any other approved state that does not recognize the remote employee exception, only a thorough review of relevant state regulations would ensure that MN is alone in this respect. Several states have Hazard Communication regulations that are "more stringent" than Federal OSHA. Michigan’s state OSHA (MIOSHA) requires posters identifying the location of MSDS and a statement that MSDS may also be obtained from the MI Department of Public Health. Alaskan places of business must obtain and post "Physical Agent Data Sheets" for sources of heat or cold stress, vibration, noise or microwave radiation etc. as well as chemical MSDS that also must be posted or described on a posting containing directions to the closest MSDS repository. Basic Hazard Communication requirements are the same throughout the U.S. but only a careful review of state specific requirements will ensure compliance in states with approved OSHA plans.

- Michael Beckel

Mr. Beckel is Manager of Consulting Services for 3E Company.  He is responsible for all hazardous materials inventory, training, and consulting services performed by 3E Company.

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