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pastapickles  
#1 Posted : 18 April 2012 12:28:16(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
pastapickles

I have been undertaking a review of our MSDS's to ensure that we have the latest information but on some I have come across problems with suppliers going out of business (Focus) and others changing numbers. Without emergency contact information for the chemicals on site, should we still be using them? Does anyone know the requirements for the emergency contact number should it operate 24/7 etc? Thanks in advance. Richard
Jane Blunt  
#2 Posted : 18 April 2012 12:38:51(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Jane Blunt

I don't see why you shuld not keep using them. There is the National Poison's information service http://www.npis.org/ that the NHS use for poisoning cases. I'm not aware that we have ever used a manufacturer or suppliers emergency line. It is essential to know precisely what you have, however, and the CAS number is useful in distinguishing between substances that have similar and easily confused names, such as toluidine and tolidine.
Safety Smurf  
#3 Posted : 18 April 2012 12:46:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Safety Smurf

Richard, Does your reference to 'Focus' refer to Focus DIY? If so, they were a retailer, not a manufacturer and so the MSDS should still be available from the manufacturer.
Kate  
#4 Posted : 18 April 2012 12:53:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

I agree, there's no reason to stop using them. The emergency contact is usually contracted out to a 24-hour service such as Carechem 24, it's not usually a direct phone number for the manufacturer / supplier.
Safety Smurf  
#5 Posted : 18 April 2012 13:05:10(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Safety Smurf

Kate wrote:
I agree, there's no reason to stop using them. Aside from the fact they're probably out of date or at least past their best!
Kate  
#6 Posted : 18 April 2012 13:33:03(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

Seriously though ;-) I've always understood the reason to call the emergency number would be a major incident, like a lorry overturning and spilling the stuff, not the personal exposure scenario. All the first aid information and "notes for physician" will be on the msds anyway, and as Jane says, the NHS can find out what they need to know.
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