The use of health and safety information sources to create an in‐house substance information database

Glaxo has developed a corporate source of comprehensive information on hazardous substances, which is available to staff throughout the Glaxo Group as an online Substance Information Database (SID) or via print. A structured approach has been taken to data collection, with key hard copy and computerised health and safety information sources being searched in a hierarchical fashion. Through a knowledge of the coverage of the sources, and practical experience of their use, a complete substance information profile is built up through selective searching. The data is evaluated by in‐house specialists in toxicology, occupational health and safety and the compiled data sheet is authorised by the appropriate Company Safety Co‐ordinator before it is released onto SID.