Hazard Communication Program, Safety Data Sheets

Employers must maintain, use, and distribute the most current SDSs (from manufacturers or distributors) in a particular way. Employers have the following responsibilities regarding SDSs:

• Making available the latest SDSs for each hazardous chemical in the workplace
• Ensuring that the SDSs are readily accessible to employees in their work areas during their work shifts
• Requesting SDSs from suppliers if the supplier has not provided them
• Providing SDSs to medical personnel should an emergency occur

It is up to the employer to decide how to provide the SDSs. For example, some employers keep SDSs in a binder in a central location. Some provide electronic access (which is often the case with employers who deal with a large number of chemicals). If employers are keeping SDSs electronically, they must meet the following requirements:

• Keep printed SDSs as a backup (in case a power outage or other failure occurs that impedes access to the electronic SDSs)
• Train employees on how to access these electronic SDSs
• Provide hard-copy SDSs immediately to medical personnel should an emergency occur

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