4 replies to this topic

[Miri]

Easy question - I hope. 

I'm working on updating our SDS records for the chemicals/cleaning products we purchase (SQF Edition 9, Clause 11.2.5).  Can you advise me on how "old" an SDS can be?  I am under the impression that as long as it is "current" (meaning the SDS complies with the current 16-section standard) that it is OK.  The only one I can find for one of the cleaners (non-food contact - used in restrooms, breakroom and office only) does comply with the standard but is dated 2016.  I have requested an updated SDS from the manufacturer (we purchase it very infrequently, at retail level), but in the event that they don't respond are we going to get an audit non-conformance based on the age of the SDS?  Any thoughts, opinions, stories, facts??  Thanks all!

[MDaleDDF]

I request all paperwork from suppliers annually (spec sheet, sds, tds, guarantees, etc) and update them, fill out a checklist saying I do so.   As to what is considered old, I don't know what an auditor would think about one from 2016, but if the product hasn't changed and the supplier still sends that out, I don't see how you could be dinged on it?  Maybe tho....

[SQFconsultant]

Like MDaleDDF we also request everything yearly.

 

You may be able to get the SDS sheet from the MFG website if you can not get it directly

 

As a former Auditor I remember maybe 3 times where the company was marked off for way out of date SDS's - where they no longer matched up to what was in use.

 

And 1 very big one where the item in use was NOT to be used in any facility on or near an area of water with aquatic life - that was in a SHRIMP facility where the facility was built out over a bay - that was an interesting day.

[G M]

If you can document a review that confirms that the SDS still accurately matches what you use, you should be covered.

[TimG]

If you can document a review that confirms that the SDS still accurately matches what you use, you should be covered.

I concur with this. If you have them listed on your registry, you can add a row to document a verification check. That verification check is 'usually' as easy as going to the manufacturer website and searching for their current SDS on the chemical. If it's the same one you have on file, you just verified that it is current and put the date you verified on your register. If it's a newer one, print it out and replace it.

Busywork, but fairly straightforward.