Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors are required to supply Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for every hazardous chemical they handle. These documents are essential for communicating detailed information about the chemical’s potential risks to downstream users, such as employers and employees.
(Note: SDSs were previously known as MSDSs – Material Safety Data Sheets – but have since been standardized and renamed under the Globally Harmonized System [GHS].)
Standardized Format
SDSs must follow a consistent and easy-to-use 16-section format, which helps ensure that all users can find critical safety information quickly and efficiently. This module will guide you through each of these sections.
Key Information Included in the SDS
Each Safety Data Sheet provides vital details, including:
- Chemical identity and properties
- Health, physical, and environmental hazards
- Protective equipment and safety practices
- Guidelines for safe handling, storage, and transportation
While the SDS must be written in English to meet regulatory requirements, employers are encouraged to make translations available for non-English-speaking employees when possible.
Access and Availability
Employers are responsible for ensuring that SDSs are easily accessible to all employees during their work shifts. This may include maintaining printed copies in a central location or providing digital access through an internal system, as long as the documents are available without delay when needed.
Additionally, SDS authors may include extra details beyond the required minimums to enhance understanding or provide company-specific safety guidance.