No matter what industry you operate in, safely labeling hazardous materials is essential. Doing so will protect the health and safety of you, your workers, and your customers.
Furthermore, proper labeling will aid business growth, giving your partners the confidence and peace of mind they need to work with you. This is where safety data sheets (SDS) come in.
Although not a legal requirement, they are the most important employee safety resource for anyone who works with chemicals. Here is what you need to know about SDS sheets.
What Are Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?
A safety data sheet is a document that communicates all of the essential information about a chemical in your inventory.
It lists all of the chemical’s properties and any health hazards the chemical might pose. Although they are not mandatory regulations, the SDS is essential for a safe work environment.
Generally, any chemical that meets the minimum definition of posing a physical or environmental hazard should always be accompanied by an SDS. It is an industry-wide standard practice that you can’t afford to ignore.
Why Are Safety Data Sheets Important?
The main SDS purpose concerns employee safety. Employees need to know the risk posed by a substance so they can handle it the right way.
They are not legally required in all settings. However, chemical manufacturers and healthcare providers are required by OSHA to attach an SDS to any potentially hazardous chemical used on-site.
If this applies to you, non-compliance can have serious legal consequences. You could be fined or even end up in court if you fail to provide the required safety documentation.
Compliance: What Your Safety Data Sheet Should Look Like
Every safety data sheet should concern specific pieces of information. This includes:
- Name and everyday use of the chemical
- All potential hazards posed by that chemical
- Globally recognized warning labels
- All ingredients, impurities, and stabilizers
- First aid measures to take in case of exposure
- How to contain a fire that the chemical might cause
- How to respond to spills or leakages
- How to safely store and handle the chemical
- The correct PPE to wear when handling the chemical
- How to reduce the risk of exposure to that chemical
- Physical properties such as flammability, viscosity, odor, and appearance
- An outline of the stability and reactivity of the chemical
- Ventilation requirements when using the chemical
This might seem like a lot, but that’s not all. These are the most critical pieces of information to include, but these alone will not guarantee compliance.
You can find a complete list of all SDS components on the official OSHA website. Always ensure your safety data sheet is completed in full before using a hazardous chemical.
We Empower Workplace Safety
At Phase Associates, we take employee safety seriously. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is an essential part of this. For more simple solutions to a safer workplace, we have got you covered.
Make sure to get in touch with our friendly and professional team today to find out how we can keep your workplace safe, secure, and compliant.
Our workplace safety services cover NJ, NY, PA, DE, CT, MD, and VA