MyChem requires users to upload a safety data sheet (SDS) when adding a new chemical to an inventory if that chemical does not currently exist in the MyChem database. If you have chemicals in your MyChem inventory that do not have an SDS linked to them, you must either upload the missing SDS or have an easily accessible copy of the SDS in your workspace to remain in compliance.
Search for an existing SDS
Before adding a new chemical, be sure to search the MyChem database for the chemical you are adding. With over one million chemicals in the database, there’s a good chance the chemical you’re adding already exists and has an SDS linked to it. Searching by catalog number is the easiest way to find an exact match.
Add a missing SDS
- Click on the chemical name.
- Navigate to the Inventory Chemical Details page.
- Click the Browse button to upload an SDS.
If the chemical isn’t in MyChem, you can access the SDS in a variety of ways:
- If you purchase a new chemical, an SDS should be included with the packing materials.
- If you’ve misplaced an SDS, the chemical manufacturer is required by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to provide you with a copy by request.
- Many chemical manufacturers have easily accessible SDSs on their websites.
Review your inventory
To determine whether you’re in compliance, review your MyChem inventory. All chemicals are required to have a blue “SDS” button next to them.
- If you’ve recently uploaded an SDS for a new chemical, you may see a gray “Temp SDS” button instead. No action is needed; it will change to blue once processed.
- If the space is blank, that chemical is missing an SDS and you are required to upload it.
Please compare your MyChem inventory with your physical inventory for accuracy at least annually and make adjustments as needed.
Click the Review Inventory button to indicate you have completed your review.
Federal OSHA, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, and local fire and emergency codes require that safety data sheets (SDSs) be easily accessible for all chemicals in use in a workplace to help personnel understand the health risks and safety measures and help personnel and emergency responders address emergencies and spills. The University provides MyChem as tool to help you comply with these regulations. Due to the high number of chemicals uploaded without SDSs, starting June 2022, the MyChem system requires an SDS to be uploaded when a user adds a new chemical.
Contact the MyChem Team at mychem@uw.edu with questions.