Finding Safety Data Sheets (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to obtain safety data sheets? ›

Hazardous chemical manufacturers and importers make SDS. You can get an SDS from: the manufacturer's website. the manufacturer, supplier or importer, if you ask for one.

SDS Information for Employers

What's important is that employees have access to the safety data sheets for all of the chemicals that they are using. If the employer does not have an SDS for one of these chemicals they should contact the manufacturer to obtain the current version of the SDS for that chemical.

VelocityEHS is home to the industry-leading online library of safety data sheets, or SDSs (formerly known as material safety data sheets, or MSDSs).

Paragraph 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8) of the standard requires that "the employer shall maintain in the workplace copies of the required MSDSs for each hazardous chemical, and shall ensure that they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their workarea(s)." OSHA does not require nor ...

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), revised in 2012, requires that the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety Data Sheets) for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information on these hazards.

SDSs must be readily accessible to all employees for all hazardous chemicals/substances used in their work area. Online access to SDSs and chemical safety resources are provided below to assist labs in this effort. Labs may utilize electronic SDSs as long as no barriers to employee access are created.

OSHA requires that employers maintain copies of SDSs for each chemical in the workplace classified as hazardous. Although some hazardous chemicals, such as household cleaning products, do not require the employer to maintain an SDS if used for the same purpose, duration, and frequency as a consumer.

Are paper copies of SDS required? ›

Electronic access and other alternatives to maintaining paper copies of the safety data sheets are permitted as long as no barriers to immediate employee access in each workplace are created by such options."

MSDS was the original system for providing information about the properties of chemical products. Whereas SDS is the updated system that conforms to GHS standards. In comparison to SDS, MSDS was less standardized and not globally recognized.

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides basic information on a material or chemical product. A MSDS describes the properties and potential hazards of the material, how to use it safely, and what to do in an emergency.

Under 1910.1020, the employee must request the record of exposure, while under 1910.1200, the MSDSs must be available to employees without having to ask.

You should check that the MSDS you are using is less than 3 years old. If it isn't, you need to request an updated MSDS from the supplier or manufacturer. You can also use the manufacturer and/or distributor telephone number(s) provided to obtain more safe handling information if you need it.

Safety data sheets (formerly MSDS) are the best source of information regarding the hazards, emergency response, and protective measures for any hazardous material.

SDS Translation

Manufacturers and distributors are required to provide SDSs in the official language of the country or region where their products are being used. In the U.S., you are likely to receive most SDSs in English and may sometimes also receive them in Spanish.

Answer. Final answer: Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are most commonly found in the work area where chemicals are stored or used and as electronic files on computers. They are crucial for informing employees about chemical safety and handling as mandated by OSHA standards.