What is the purpose of a safety data sheet (SDS)?

The purpose of a safety data sheet (SDS) is to provide detailed information about hazardous substances. An SDS contains crucial data regarding the properties of a chemical, including its potential hazards, handling and storage recommendations, first-aid measures, fire-fighting procedures, and exposure controls. This comprehensive information ensures that workers understand the risks associated with the substances they may work with and how to protect themselves effectively.

By having access to an SDS, employees can make informed decisions about safety measures and understand the necessary precautions to take, which is vital for maintaining a safe workplace environment. While training, listing personal protective equipment, and summarizing safety procedures are important aspects of workplace safety, they are not the primary function of an SDS. Instead, the SDS focuses specifically on the characteristics and safety information related to hazardous chemicals, which is essential for compliance with occupational safety regulations.