Finding Safety Data Sheets (2024)

FAQs

How do I find safety data sheets? ›

You can get an SDS from: the manufacturer's website.

VelocityEHS is home to the industry-leading online library of safety data sheets, or SDSs (formerly known as material safety data sheets, or MSDSs).

SDS Information for Employers

What's important is that employees have access to the safety data sheets for all of the chemicals that they are using. If the employer does not have an SDS for one of these chemicals they should contact the manufacturer to obtain the current version of the SDS for that chemical.

Employers must ensure that the SDSs are readily accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals in their workplace.

The answer is written in the Guidance on the compilation of safety data sheets (SDS): “In all cases, suppliers of a substance or a mixture which requires a safety data sheet have the responsibility for its contents, even though they may not have prepared the safety data sheet themselves."

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are required as part of the Institutions Safety Program to meet compliance with the both federal and state regulatory standards. If you cannot locate the manufacturer specific SDS, you can contact HSE to assist you in obtaining the information.

If you supply, use or store hazardous chemicals, you must keep copies of the SDS in your workplace. If you manufacture or import chemicals, you are responsible for making a correct SDS for each hazardous chemical.

In theory, anyone can write an SDS as long as they are capable of filling out the OSHA-required elements outlined in Appendix D of the Hazard Communication Standard. Whether you have the expertise it takes to produce an accurate and complete sheet is another matter.

Can you access SDS electronically? ›

Yes, OSHA allows you to store SDSs electronically. This means maintaining them on a company website or with an off-site/web-based SDS service provider. It's not acceptable to require employees to perform an internet search to view or obtain the SDS. Employees must be trained to use the electronic system.

Paragraph 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8) of the standard requires that "the employer shall maintain in the workplace copies of the required MSDSs for each hazardous chemical, and shall ensure that they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their workarea(s)." OSHA does not require nor ...

Either you purchased the product directly from the manufacturer, or from a distributor. Go on the website of the manufacturer of the product. Once you are on the manufacturer's website, see if they have a section where they make their MSDSs/SDSs available to the public.

Electronic access and other alternatives to maintaining paper copies of the safety data sheets are permitted as long as no barriers to immediate employee access in each workplace are created by such options."

MSDS was the original system for providing information about the properties of chemical products. Whereas SDS is the updated system that conforms to GHS standards. In comparison to SDS, MSDS was less standardized and not globally recognized.

OSHA only requires safety data sheets (SDSs) for hazardous products or chemicals. GLT Products, along with other manufacturers are not required to provide SDSs for non-hazardous materials or products.

Safety data sheets provide information on chemical products that help users of those chemicals to make a risk assessment. They describe the hazards the chemical presents, and give information on handling, storage and emergency measures in case of accident.