What is a Safety Data Sheet?
An Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly known as MSDS, includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.
It provides guidance for each specific chemical on things such as:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- First aid procedures
- Spill clean-up procedures
Who needs to have SDSs?
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (1910.1200) and Lab Safety Standard (1910.1450) both require that SDSs be readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s).
Laboratories, facilities or shops that use chemicals must obtain an SDS that is specific to each chemical used in the workplace.
How do you store/maintain Safety Data Sheets?
CampusOptics, the online database, both maintains SDS and updates them as needed for the our College community. SDS are normally available through the online database.
- SDSs must be stored electronically and as paper copies.
- SDSs must be stored in a location that all staff can access during work hours.
- SDSs must be stored in the work area.
- If electronic copies are used, SDSs must still be available if the area loses electricity or internet access.
- Back-up options include:
- A laptop with PDFs (or any electronic file type) on the local hard drive.
- PDFs downloaded onto a USB stick.
- A computer with PDFs on the local hard drive that is hooked up to a battery back-up or plugged into an outlet on a back-up generator (red outlets).
- Back-up options include: