Accessing Data Sheets Through Covetrus

Covetrus customers can obtain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) through our website.

This web-based system will provide you with the most accurate up-to-date information on our products and replaces outdated CD-ROMs. The COMPAS database is continuously updated as new products or changes to existing product information becomes available.

OSHA requires employers to maintain complete and accurate SDSs for each hazardous chemical that is used in the workplace. 

Not finding a Safety Data Sheet? 
Contact us at: [email protected] (Allow 3-4 days response)

Covetrus partners with Chemtrec at 1/800-424-9300 to offer 24/7 assistance with hazardous material incidents, spills leaks, fire, exposure and accident guidance. 

1. Go to northamerica.covetrus.com and log in to your account or use the keyword search field.
2. Type in the item number or the product name and click the magnifying glass or hit the enter key.
3. Locate the product in the search results and click the product title to go to product details.
4. If an SDS sheet is available, you will see the word “Download Safety Data Sheet" in the left hand column under the Related Resources header.

   

5. Print the document OR SAVE it if you have a battery backup where if you have any kind of power outage ANY employee can access this SDS sheet.

ARE ELECTRONIC SAFETY DATA SHEETS COPIES ALLOWED?

You may keep electronic copies of SDSs if you meet the following conditions:

• SAFETY DATA SHEETS must be readily accessible with no barriers to employee access. This means reliable devices accessible at all times without the employee needing to ask anyone for permission.
• Workers must be trained in the use of these devices, including specific software.
• There must be an adequate back-up system and written plan for rapid access to hazard information in the event of an emergency including power-outages, equipment failure, on-line access delays, etc. for the computer and the printer.
• The system of electronic access is part of the overall hazard communication program.
• Employees and emergency response personnel must be able to immediately obtain hard copies of the SDSs, if needed or desired.

If you are certain you can meet these required stipulations, you may have an electronic SDS system in place.

For on-line SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDS) subscriptions, OSHA will permit you to use a telephone as a backup system (but not as a primary system) instead of requiring you to have printed copies.  If you intend to go to a paperless SDSs system, make sure you spell that out in your written hazard communication program.

SAFETY DATA SHEETS MAINTENANCE

The SDS file should be an active file and should be updated whenever a new chemical is introduced in the work area or a revision occurs. When a new SDS is obtained for a product, remove the earlier version and replace it with the new one, however, do not discard the older version.  OSHA regulations require that all chemical inventory SDSs, employee exposure reports, employee training documents, etc., be maintained for a minimum of 30 years. 

In the same manner, when your clinic ceases to use product and there is none left in the clinic, you can remove the SDS and archive it. (Should you ever need to pull it for an OSHA inspector, you have up to 2 weeks to provide archived records.) 

DETERMINING WHICH PRODUCTS REQUIRE SAFETY DATA SHEETS

Begin by inventorying the chemicals in your clinic. (The term chemical refers to any liquid, gas or solid used in the facility).  By completing a chemical inventory, you can identify whether or not you need a SAFETY DATA SHEET.

1. Survey each room in your facility. Including closets, bathrooms, office areas, etc. 
2. List all chemical substances found in the room. If you are not sure whether a substance should be included, list it anyway.
3. If there are no chemicals in a room, identify the room and write “No Chemicals”.

Once the inventory is compiled, you can determine which items are exempt from the SDS requirement.

CHEMICALS EXEMPT FROM THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD:

• Hazardous waste - This material is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, and not OSHA.
• Tobacco or tobacco products - Regulated by the FDA not OSHA.
• Articles - These are products made up of hazardous materials, but when the manufacturing process is complete, the finished item poses no hazard during foreseeable use, e.g., autoclave tape, thermometers and x-ray marking tape.
• Food or nutritional products (including vitamins, IV fluids and milk replacement formulas.
• Foods, drugs, or cosmetics intended for personal consumption by employees while in the workplace.
• Any common consumer product that is used in substantially the same manner (frequency, duration & quantities) as normal consumer use. This means things like window cleaner, laundry detergent; liquid correction fluid, etc. can be exempted unless your hospital uses these products differently than the average consumer. Be careful though; some normal consumer products like peroxide, alcohol or even bleach would not be exempted because the typical veterinary hospital would use these products at a greater frequency than the normal consumer
• Any drug (medication) when it is in solid final form for direct administration to the patient (e.g., tablets, pills, capsules). This exemption does not apply if the tablets, pills or capsules are manipulated in any way prior to administration. In those instances, you must reach out to the manufacturer directly to request a Safety Data Sheet. This exemption does not apply to liquids, gels or powders.