Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Review & Support

What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a detailed document that provides essential information on chemical hazards, detailing its properties, safe handling protocols, and emergency response actions. SDS is required for all hazardous chemical products under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR §1910.1200) and includes 16 standardized sections. The SDS categorization follows:

1. 1. Identification
   2. Hazard identification
   3. Composition/information on ingredients
   4. First-aid measures
   5. Firefighting measures
   6. Accidental release measures
   7. Handling and storage
   8. Exposure controls/personal protection
   9. Physical and chemical properties
   10. Stability and reactivity
   11. Toxicological information
   12. Ecological information
   13. Disposal considerations
   14. Transport information
   15. Regulatory information
   16. Other information For detailed information regarding each section, refer to OSHA’s SDS page.

Who Needs SDS?

SDS compliance is mandatory for facilities that handle hazard chemicals. This includes:

• • Workplaces that use hazardous chemicals in daily operations
  • Supplier, distributors, manufacturers of hazardous chemical
  • Laboratories, research institutions, academic facilities
  • Any workplace subject to OSHA Hazard Communication or chemical labeling regulations

Facilities are required to have up-to-date SDS and ensure all products are properly labeled to protect workers’ safety and health.

General SDS Review Process

The SDS Review Process typically follows:

1. 1. Develop test Cases
      1. Ensure SDS represents full hazard profile
      2. Highlight any chemicals in particular concern
   2. Audit SDS Content
      1. Evaluate whether SDS complies with local regulations
   3. Deliverables
      1. Report findings and recommendations
   4. Documenting audit results for project records (i.e. SDS Collection)

SDS Key Deadlines

Important timeline and best practices for SDS includes:

• • SDS must be updated within 3 months of discovering new hazards
  • Annual chemical inventories may require SDS revision
  • SDS submissions are a one-time requirement, but regular updates as SDS is a “living document”

For best practices, facilities are highly recommended to conduct SDS reviews annually or biennially.