Hazard Communication Program, Step 4

Step 4. Maintain Safety Data Sheets.

The Hazard Communication Standard requires that the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), formerly called Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDSs, for each hazardous chemical. The SDSs must be made accessible to all downstream users.

SDSs are the source of detailed information about every workplace chemical.

SDSs include the following information:

• The properties of each chemical
• The physical, health, and environmental health hazards of the chemical
• Protective measures to prevent exposure to the chemical
• Safety precautions for handling the chemical
• Safety precautions for storing the chemical
• Safety precautions for transporting the chemical

The information contained in the SDS must be in English (although it may be in other languages as well).

OSHA lists its SDS requirements in an easy-to-read table in Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.1200. Consult this appendix online if you have questions about the accuracy of a Safety Data Sheet.

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