A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a standardized document that provides detailed information about a chemical substance or mixture to help users understand its hazards and handle it safely. SDSs are developed in accordance with the Hazard Communication Standard established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and follow the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals 16-section format.
These documents include important information such as chemical identification, hazard identification, safe handling and storage practices, exposure controls, personal protective equipment recommendations, emergency procedures, and disposal considerations. Safety Data Sheets are intended to ensure that laboratory workers, researchers, shop workers and emergency personnel have access to critical health, safety, and environmental information needed to safely use, store, and respond to incidents involving hazardous chemicals.
SDSs can be accessed three different ways at RPI:
- Chemwatch allows users to access their lab's SDSs either on the computer or through the new Chemwatch app on their phone.
- Using the chemical manufacturer's website, a user can search for their chemical's specific SDS using the lot number, catalog number, or CAS number of the chemical.
- Using Research Materials Management (RMM), the SDS for any chemical at RPI is available.
Chemwatch is a program utilized by RPI for access to manufacture’s safety data sheets and Chemwatch safety data sheets. Instructions on how to use Chemwatch have been created to help users navigate the tools available to them. Chemwatch can be accessed on the computer or through the SmartSuite App on a user's phone.
To access Chemwatch on the computer:
- Visit the Chemwatch website.
- In the “Account” field, type in renpolytech. Once you hit “log in,” the page will change. To go further, click “click here” to enter your RPI specific information. The page will redirect you to the DUO login screen. Use your RPI credentials to log in.
- Use the Instructions on Using Chemwatch on the Computer guidelines to help navigate the program.
To access Chemwatch on through the phone app:
- Download the Smarter Suit App from the Apple App Store or Android Google Play Store.
- In the “Account” field, type in renpolytech. Once you hit “log in,” the page will change. To go further, click “click here” to enter your RPI specific information. The page will redirect you to the DUO login screen. Use your RPI credentials to log in.
- Use the Instructions on Using Chemwatch on the Computer guidelines to help navigate the program.
Research Materials Management (RMM) can be accessed through the chemical punchout in OSCAR. All chemicals in RMM have a vendor SDS.
Use the Instructions on Accessing a Safety Data Sheet guidelines to help navigate the program.
