24 Aug Safety Data Sheets – Understanding and Using SDSs

Safety Data Sheets – Understanding and Using SDSs

Safety Data Sheets provide essential information about hazardous chemicals used or stored in the workplace. Employees who work with hazardous chemicals must know how to access SDSs, understand the information they contain, and use that information to protect themselves and others.

Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, employers must maintain an SDS for each hazardous chemical in the workplace and ensure that employees have immediate access to SDSs during their work shift.

Why Safety Data Sheets Are Important

An SDS provides detailed information about a chemical’s hazards and the precautions necessary for safe use. Employees should review the applicable SDS before working with an unfamiliar hazardous chemical rather than waiting until an exposure or emergency occurs.

SDS information can help employees:

• Recognize chemical hazards.
• Select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Understand safe handling and storage requirements.
• Respond properly to spills and releases.
• Provide appropriate first aid following an exposure.
• Identify fire and explosion hazards.
• Understand chemical incompatibilities.
• Follow appropriate disposal considerations.

If you do not understand the hazards or precautions described in an SDS, ask your supervisor or designated safety representative before using the chemical.

The 16-Section SDS Format

OSHA requires Safety Data Sheets to follow a standardized 16-section format:

1. Identification – Product identifier, recommended uses, restrictions, and supplier information.
2. Hazard Identification – Chemical hazards, classifications, signal words, pictograms, and hazard statements.
3. Composition/Information on Ingredients – Chemical ingredients and concentration information.
4. First-Aid Measures – Appropriate treatment following exposure.
5. Fire-Fighting Measures – Suitable extinguishing methods and specific fire hazards.
6. Accidental Release Measures – Spill, leak, and emergency response precautions.
7. Handling and Storage – Safe handling practices and storage conditions.
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection – Exposure limits, engineering controls, and PPE.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties – Important characteristics of the chemical.
10. Stability and Reactivity – Conditions to avoid and incompatible materials.
11. Toxicological Information – Routes of exposure, symptoms, and health effects.
12. Ecological Information – Environmental information.
13. Disposal Considerations – Information concerning proper disposal.
14. Transport Information – Transportation-related information.
15. Regulatory Information – Applicable safety, health, and environmental regulations.
16. Other Information – Preparation or revision dates and other relevant information.

OSHA requires the headings for Sections 12 through 15 but does not enforce the information contained within those sections.

Before Using a Chemical

Before working with an unfamiliar hazardous chemical:

• Read the container label.
• Review the SDS.
• Understand the hazards associated with the product.
• Identify required PPE.
• Determine whether ventilation or other engineering controls are required.
• Review safe handling and storage precautions.
• Know what to do in case of a spill, fire, or exposure.
• Identify incompatible materials and conditions to avoid.
• Make sure appropriate emergency equipment is available.

Never use a chemical when you do not understand how to handle it safely.

SDS Accessibility

Employees must be able to readily access SDSs during their work shift.

SDSs may be maintained electronically when employees have immediate access and the electronic system does not create a barrier to obtaining the information. Appropriate backup access should be available when necessary.

Know where your workplace SDSs are located and how to retrieve them before an emergency occurs.

Emergency Situations

During a chemical exposure, fire, or spill, the SDS can provide valuable information for employees, supervisors, emergency responders, and medical personnel.

Depending on the emergency, useful sections may include:

• Section 2 – Hazard Identification.
• Section 4 – First-Aid Measures.
• Section 5 – Fire-Fighting Measures.
• Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures.
• Section 8 – Exposure Controls/Personal Protection.

Do not delay emergency medical treatment while searching for an SDS. Follow established emergency procedures and provide the SDS or chemical information to responders as quickly as practical.

Labels and SDSs Must Agree

Pay attention to the chemical you are using. If the container label, appearance, odor, or other characteristics appear inconsistent with the SDS or expected product:

• Stop using the material.
• Isolate it when appropriate and safe to do so.
• Notify your supervisor or designated safety representative.
• Do not use the material again until its identity and hazards have been verified.

Never use an unidentified or improperly labeled chemical.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees should:

• Know how to locate SDSs.
• Review SDSs for hazardous chemicals they use.
• Follow the specified precautions and safe work practices.
• Use required PPE and engineering controls.
• Follow chemical storage requirements.
• Report missing or inaccessible SDSs.
• Report damaged, missing, or incorrect chemical labels.
• Ask questions when chemical hazards or precautions are unclear.

Remember

An SDS cannot protect you if you do not know where it is or never read it. Review chemical hazards before beginning work and know how to quickly access the information during an emergency.