PRESS
RELEASES
MATERIAL DATA SAFETY SHEETS
NOW ON CD-ROM
Washington, DC, May 1996 - NAGASA, the North American Graphic Arts Suppliers Association, has endorsed the Chem View automated Material Safety Data Sheet system for use in the graphic arts industry. Chem View provides graphic arts dealers and their customers in the printing industry with immediate access via CD-ROM to material safety data sheets for most standard chemicals. The CD-ROMs are revised quarterly to ensure that information is current. Material safety data sheets on the CD-ROM may be accessed using unique stock numbers or descriptions from any IBM-compatible computer.
In announcing the endorsement, NAGASA president and CEO David Steinhardt said: "The Chem View system provides a standard, easily accessed information bank which should find broad acceptance in the industry. By participating in the Chem View program, manufacturers can more easily comply with data accessibility requirements. Individual NAGASA dealer members can contract with Chem View to obtain a custom listing of MSDS sheets which they, in turn, can provide to printers and trade shops in their service area. NAGASA has endorsed the Chem View system to encourage dealers and their customers to adopt one standard method of accounting for MSDS sheets and to permit the industry to respond more quickly to the needs of users large and small."
A recent NAGASA study indicated that the average graphic arts dealer or distributor must maintain material safety data sheets for 1125 items. The survey also showed that most MSDS sheets consist of two or more pages, thus creating filing difficulties and expense. Maintaining this information on CD-ROM is far more economical and provides quick, error-free access to all data sheets. Moreover, the Chem View system permits faxing data sheets directly to customers, thus reducing the time required to furnish data. Additional information regarding the system may be obtained from NAGASA at 202-328-8441.
NAGASA-the North American Graphic Arts Suppliers Association-is the world's largest trade association representing graphic communications dealers, distributors and the manufacturers whose products they sell. Collectively, NAGASA dealer members sell more than $2 billion of graphic communications equipment, supplies, systems, software and service each year. The association is an open, noncommercial, noncompetitive forum in which members can discuss issues critical to their individual businesses and the effectiveness of the marketing channel. With nearly 350 members, NAGASA produces programs for dealers and manufacturers which build stronger alliances and streamline costs and operations. Manufacturers are encouraged by the organization to sell products through the graphic communications dealer channel. In addition, the association produces technical and business performance information through standards, statistical, educational and publishing services.