General
- How easy is it to write a WHMIS-compliant MSDS?
- How can I see CANWrite in action?
- What does CANWrite cost?
- Is CANWrite pricing dependant on the number of MSDSs written with the software?
- Why is CANWrite sold as an annual subscription?
- I am really happy to see the French language translation feature. Will CANWrite phrases be offered in other languages?
- I am new to writing MSDSs. Can CANWrite help me get started?
Content
- Can I author a joint Canadian/US compliant document?
- Does CANWrite fully comply with ANSI Z400.1-2004?
- Can I customize my MSDSs using the CANWrite software?
- Does CANWrite support the inclusion of NFPA or HMIS ratings?
- Can I auto-populate my MSDS based on ingredients?
- Can I print WHMIS labels based on my MSDS?
GHS
Currency
Technical
General
How easy is it to write a WHMIS-compliant MSDS?
CCOHS has found there to be a very short learning curve (literally a few hours) and experienced MSDS authors can quickly produce an accurate, complete, WHMIS-compliant MSDS 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’s prices are as follows:
CANWrite standalone, single user: $3,495 (CDN) for a one-year subscription. Multi-user pricing is available upon request.
CANWrite standalone, single user with resources bundle: $3,995 (CDN) for a one-year subscription. The resources bundle includes integrated access to key databases including: CHEMINFO, RTECS® and regulatory information.
Is CANWrite pricing dependant on the number of MSDSs written with the software?
The cost is not dependant on the number of MSDSs written. For one annual fee, you can produce as many MSDSs as you like.
Why is CANWrite sold as an annual subscription?
The CANWrite software will be updated and developed to meet client needs. We expect to develop additional features and want to ensure all clients benefit from updates. With an annual subscription, CCOHS can maintain and develop the software to support new computer systems platforms and its cost is relatively low compared to the purchase of a "one-off" version. Updated software also ensures reliable access in the future. Software that is reissued during a subscription will still operate with your existing MSDSs.
Currently CANWrite can produce MSDSs in English and Canadian French. Brazilian Portuguese and Latin American Spanish will be offered in the near future. Other languages will be offered depending on user feedback.
I am new to writing MSDSs. 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 MSDS data field, section-by-section. The CANWrite authoring order was designed to facilitate the logical, step-by-step authoring of MSDS content.
Content
Can I author a joint Canadian/US compliant document?
Yes. CANWrite’s system has been designed to support WHMIS/OSHA compliant documents.
Does CANWrite fully comply with ANSI Z400.1-2004?
Yes, CANWrite’s format complies with the American National Standards Institute standard for Hazardous Industrial Chemicals - Material Safety Data Sheets – Preparation (ANSI Z400.1-2004).
Can I customize my MSDSs using the CANWrite software?
There are several ways that you can customize your MSDS, as follows:
- You can add your own company logo, manufacturer/supplier and emergency contact information to your MSDSs.
- You can add customized field labels in several MSDS sections (e.g. Regulatory Information, Exposure Guidelines and Physical and Chemical Properties).
- You can add custom phrases and free text content to your MSDSs.
- Data fields left blank will not appear on your MSDS.
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 MSDS based on ingredients?
We know that some MSDS authoring softwares provide this capability. However, we have chosen not to design CANWrite this way because we do not believe that auto-population produces the best quality MSDS – a high priority for our software. Instead, we have implemented other powerful features that give you quick, integrated access to your ingredient information and related content from within the MSDS that you are authoring. You can easily copy and paste selected ingredient information, related content and information from the valuable resources provided in the CANWrite resources window into your MSDS.
Can I print WHMIS labels based on my MSDS?
Currently CANWrite does not offer this feature, but we are looking to add this capability in when we release the GHS version of the software.
GHS
How will CANWrite support GHS classifications?
CANWrite was based on the current requirements of WHMIS, but the software was engineered with GHS requirements in mind. Many GHS data fields are already present in the software, as are the GHS hazard statements and new GHS classifications. When we roll out the GHS-compliant version of CANWrite, it will contain a GHS classification worksheet.
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.
CCOHS’s Chemical Notification Service will notify you when database updates have occurred to your registered ingredients.
Technical
What database engine do I require to run CANWrite?
The database engine used is Microsoft SQL Server, version 2005. 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 MSDS as a Microsoft Word document?
Yes, your MSDS can be exported as an RTF or TXT document, which are both supported by Microsoft Word. You can also export your MSDS in PDF and HTML formats.
Please contact CCOHS Client Services if you have further questions about these products and services.
