Q: Doesn’t the law say that I have to keep the MSDS on site?

A: OSHA amended the hazard communication standard in February 1994 to allow for access to MSDS by fax or computer. 3E currently has over 75,000 customer locations throughout the nation using this paperless system. 3E also has letters verifying compliance from every federal, regional, and state OSHA office. 

Many large companies such as Walgreen, Petsmart, Rite Aid, Office Depot, etc are currently 3E clients and their legal departments check out the program before enrolling.

Q: What if you do not have my MSDS?

A: When a district signs on, we recommend that they send 3E a list of their inventory so it can be cross referenced with 3E’s library of more than 1.75 million product-specific MSDS documents. If 3E does not already have an MSDS for a hazardous material on the list, they will promptly obtain it. 

Q: How quickly can I get an MSDS?

A: When a site requests an MSDS, 3E will ask how soon it is needed and then supply it within that time frame. Standard response times are: 

• Medical emergencies/OSHA inspections – average time 4 minutes 
• (Rush) Employee request – average time is 30 minutes
• Standard request – average time is 1 hour
• Orders over 10 MSDS – if there is no rush, they are mailed

Q: What if an OSHA inspector walks into my district and wants to see my MSDS’s?

A: The district employee should ask the OSHA officer which MSDS he/she would like to see. Then that person should call 3E, inform them that there is an OSHA officer on site, and tell them which MSDS is needed. The requested MSDS will be faxed within minutes.

Q: What if we sign up for the 3E MSDS Service, and we get fined?

A: 3E is confident that this will not happen. If you meet the following criteria and still receive a citation, 3E will pay the fine.

• You submitted an inventory list upon enrolling in the program
• You trained your employees how to access an MSDS
• Your employees have access to a fax machine