Finding Safety Data Sheets (2024)

FAQs

What should you do if you Cannot find the Safety Data Sheet? ›

If you cannot locate the manufacturer specific SDS, you can contact HSE to assist you in obtaining the information.

The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.

Chemical Safety's SDS and GHS database is a free service available to organizations of all types. For-profit organizations are granted permission to access Chemical Safety's SDS Search from Chemical Safety's website. There are no restrictions on the number of searches performed.

Who can write an SDS? 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.

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDSs) to communicate the hazards of hazardous chemical products.

Hazardous chemical manufacturers and importers make SDS. You can get an SDS from: the manufacturer's website. the manufacturer, supplier or importer, if you ask for one.

The Hazard Communication Law specifically states SDSs must be readily accessible to employees, and that means whether they're stored electronically or on paper.

SDSs tell users what the hazards of the product are, how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, how to recognize symptoms of exposure, and what to do if emergencies occur.

Section 1 – Identification identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides the essential contact information of the supplier. Section 2 – Hazard(s) identification includes the hazards of the chemical and the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards.

SDS Resources

Chemical Safety's Online SDS Database - Chemical Safety is a privately corporation providing cloud-based Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Holds an extensive free SDS database.

What are the rules for MSDS? ›

MSDSs must be developed for hazardous chemicals used in the workplace, and must list the hazardous chemicals that are found in a product in quantities of 1% or greater, or 0.1% or greater if the chemical is a carcinogen. The MSDS does not have to list the amount that the hazardous chemical occurs in the product.

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.

The Hazard Communication Standard requires chemical manufacturers/importers to obtain, develop, and maintain safety data sheets (SDSs). This goes for every hazardous chemical they produce or import. They must also provide the SDS for distributors and employers.

To acquire an msds certificate, you need to submit detailed information about the product including the materials used, manufacturing details, and images of the product. These details ensure transparency and compliance with the regulatory standards.

The system of electronic access is part of the overall hazard communication program. Employees and emergency response personnel must be able to immediately obtain hard copies of the SDSs, if needed or desired.