Canadian Chemical Information Partnership

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has partnered with Fisher Scientific Canada Inc. to offer CCOHS' MSDS database users access to over 40,000 current English and French material safety data sheets (MSDSs). The two organizations recognized the need to improve easy, reliable access to the most current, hard-to-acquire MSDS information to workplaces. This new addition brings the CCOHS collection up to 200,000 MSDSs, giving users access to the most current and up-to-date MSDSs from over 600 North American manufacturers and suppliers.

The agreement comes after extensive discussions and is an important achievement for people who work in environments that require them to have access to chemical handling information. This new partnership initiative will help people who are involved in writing, managing and disseminating chemical safety information in the industrial sector, as well as providing useful information on chemicals to be used by people in universities, hospitals, research and development firms, military and government organizations, among others.

CCOHS subscribers can search the MSDS database for Fisher MSDSs as they would for any company's collection. This arrangement is made possible because of the diligent work of CCOHS and Fisher technical staff who ensure that users can conveniently access MSDSs on Fisher's website through CCOHS' MSDS database.

Chris McDonald, Manager of Purchasing and Regulatory Affairs states, "Fisher Scientific Canada MSDSs are available in a variety of ways, including FAX, through Fisher Canada's website and by mail. This partnership provides an opportunity for CCOHS to disseminate Fisher Scientific Canada's MSDSs to their clients quickly, and reliably. The availability of this high quality health and safety information helps assist in ensuring safe and effective chemical use."

Len Hong, President and CEO of CCOHS adds, "The impact that this new agreement will have for those involved with chemical handling is widespread, and represents an innovative way to disseminate chemical information. This endeavour is in direct support of our mandate to eliminate illnesses and injuries in the workplace, especially those related to chemical hazards."

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is Canada's national centre for occupational safety and health (OSH) information. CCOHS focuses on the environment and health and safety initiatives by collecting, evaluating and distributing information on workplace health, safety, and environmental issues from sources around the world. Recognized internationally as an innovative and expert resource, CCOHS is governed by a tripartite Council with representatives from employers, labour and government, and as such is committed to providing impartial and accurate information to everyone.

Fisher Scientific is Canada's leading provider of scientific instruments, equipment, supplies and industrial safety products. For 75 years, Fisher's predominance in the marketplace has been achieved through a combination of unique and often exclusive relationships with the world's best suppliers, and the capability of attracting and retaining quality people. This combined with their constant search for innovative solutions has earned Fisher Scientific a loyal customer following.