General
- How easy is it to write a WHMIS- and/or OSHA-compliant (M)SDS?
- How can I see CANWrite in action?
- I am really happy to see the French language translation feature. Will CANWrite phrases be offered in other languages?
- I am new to writing (M)SDSs. Can CANWrite help me get started?
Content
- Can I author a joint Canadian/US compliant document?
- Does CANWrite produce a document that is fully compliant with GHS?
- How will CANWrite help me write GHS SDSs?
- Can I customize my (M)SDSs using the CANWrite software?
- Does CANWrite support the inclusion of NFPA or HMIS ratings?
- Can I auto-populate my (M)SDS based on ingredients?
- Can I print GHS labels based on my SDS?
Currency
Technical
- What database engine do I require to run CANWrite?
- Can I save an (M)SDS as a Microsoft Word document?
General
How easy is it to write a WHMIS-and/or OSHA-compliant (M)SDS?
CCOHS has found there to be a very short learning curve (literally a few hours) and experienced (M)SDS authors can quickly produce an accurate, complete, WHMIS- and/or OSHA-compliant (M)SDS in a very short time with the added bonus of a tremendous cost savings for French translation.
How can I see CANWrite in action?
Key information on CANWrite is available at: www.ccohs.ca/products/canwrite/
CCOHS provides a free web-based presentation (webinar) highlighting features of the software. We encourage everyone to take CANWrite – The Guided Tour, which is available from this web page. Once you have seen the webinar, give us a call at 1-800-668-4284 or e-mail canwrite@ccohs.ca to arrange for a personalized demonstration of the software with one of our content specialists.
CANWrite can produce (M)SDSs in English, French and Latin American Spanish. Other languages may be offered in the future depending on client demand.
I am new to writing (M)SDSs. Can CANWrite help me get started?
CANWrite contains a wealth of information in the software help. CANWrite provides tips, helpful resources and information on how to complete each (M)SDS data field, section-by-section. The CANWrite authoring order was designed to facilitate the logical, step-by-step authoring of (M)SDS content.
Content
Can I author a joint Canadian/US compliant document?
Yes. CANWrite’s system has been designed so that you can write a WHMIS/OSHA HazCom 2012 (GHS) or a WHMIS/OSHA HazCom 1994 compliant safety data sheet in the same document.
Does CANWrite produce a document that is fully compliant with GHS?
Yes, you can produce a document that meets the minimum information requirements of the GHS “purple” book and/or the U.S. implementation of the GHS (OSHA HazCom 2012).
How will CANWrite help me write an OSHA GHS SDSs?
Aimed at small to medium-sized chemical manufacturers and suppliers in Canada and the U.S., the CANWrite GHS authoring solution features:
- A detailed GHS OSHA classification worksheet (HazCom 2012)
- A GHS Audit tool which checks for OSHA-GHS required information on the SDS.
- Automatic suggestions of required GHS label text based on the OSHA GHS classification
- Built-in logic that links key hazards to appropriate hazard controls.
Can I customize my (M)SDSs using the CANWrite software?
There are several ways that you can customize your (M)SDS, as follows:
- You can add your own company logo, manufacturer/supplier and emergency contact information to your (M)SDSs.
- You can add customized field labels in several (M)SDS sections (e.g. Regulatory Information, Exposure Guidelines and Physical and Chemical Properties).
- You can add custom phrases and free text content to your (M)SDSs.
- Data fields left blank will not appear on your (M)SDS.
Does CANWrite support the inclusion of NFPA or HMIS ratings?
CANWrite has the option to include numerical NFPA Ratings. It currently does not provide the facility to include the NFPA graphical diamond.
CANWrite does not currently provide for HMIS, but it can be added into one of the customizable fields offered within the software.
CCOHS will be working closely with users to develop additional tools and features that they value. Addition of the NFPA graphical diamond and/or HMIS data fields can be provided if there is sufficient interest.
Can I auto-populate my (M)SDS based on ingredients?
In order to help you efficiently write and maintain your (M)SDSs, CANWrite will automatically populate and update occupational exposure limits, carcinogenicity, acute toxicity, and aquatic toxicity information from your Ingredient Sheets into relevant (M)SDSs. For other sections, we have implemented other powerful features that give you quick, integrated access to your ingredient information from within the (M)SDS that you are authoring. For example, you can elect to have information from Section 11 – Toxicological Information pushed from your Ingredient Sheet(s) into the corresponding free text field in Section 11 of your (M)SDS. You can also easily copy and paste selected ingredient information and information from the valuable resources provided in the CANWrite resources window into your (M)SDS.
Can I print GHS labels based on my SDS?
Yes, on the GHS view of the software, you are able to generate a simple GHS label in a PDF form.
Currency
How often does CCOHS update toxicity data and other information in its online databases?
Each database record contains currency information as to when the data was last updated. For example, in CHEMINFO there is the Revision/Preparation Date as well as Revision Indicators at the end of each record. These dates will guide you as to when the information was last updated. CCOHS processes database updates on a quarterly basis.
The regulatory and advisory information (e.g. IARC carcinogenicity status) that is provided with CANWrite is updated as quickly as possible after new information data is published.
Technical
What database engine do I require to run CANWrite?
The database engine used is Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, Express Edition. SQL Server will install on your computer during the CANWrite installation if you do not currently have SQL Server on your system.
Can I save an (M)SDS as a Microsoft Word document?
Yes, your (M)SDS can be exported as an RTF or TXT document, which are both supported by Microsoft Word. You can also export your (M)SDS in PDF and HTML formats.
Please contact CCOHS Client Services if you have further questions about these products and services.
