Overview
This section establishes the requirement for contractors to identify and provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous materials to ensure government employees are informed of workplace hazards and safety precautions. It aligns procurement activities with OSHA regulations regarding exposure, emergency treatment, and safe handling of hazardous supplies.
Key Rules
- Identification Criteria: Hazardous materials are identified based on the latest version of Federal Standard No. 313 or by a Government technical representative who deems a material potentially hazardous.
- Mandatory Submission: Offerors and contractors must submit hazardous materials data whenever the supplies being acquired meet the identification criteria.
- Submission Timing (Pre-Award): The apparent successful offeror must submit required MSDSs prior to the contract award if hazardous materials are expected to be used.
- Submission Timing (Delivery): For non-DoD agencies, the contractor must provide the MSDS again at the time of supply delivery.
- Administrative Routing: The Contracting Officer is responsible for distributing all received MSDS documentation to the agency's safety officer or designated safety representative.
Practical Implications
- Compliance Burden: Contractors must proactively monitor Federal Standard No. 313 updates, as the FAR requires compliance with any revisions adopted during the term of the contract.
- Award Delays: Failure to provide accurate MSDS documentation before award can stall the procurement process, as the Contracting Officer cannot finalize the contract until the hazardous material data is received.