Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

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Safety Data Sheets, formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), are required as part of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (1910.1200(g)). Each SDS provides detailed information on a chemical to employers and workers — including its hazards as well as how to store it and dispose of it.

OSHA’s HazCom Standard is consistently among the top 10 most cited standards. It applies to general industry, shipyard, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction employment and covers chemical manufacturers, importers, employers, and employees exposed to chemical hazards. Essentially, any employer with even one employee and one hazardous chemical is covered.

The J. J. Keller® SAFETY MANAGEMENT SUITE offers a wide range of tools and resources to help you build and maintain a Safety Data Sheet library.

Easily Manage Your Safety Data Sheet Library

  • Access an Extensive Safety Data Sheet Library

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    Search our library of over a half million Safety Data Sheets by product/manufacturer name, CAS RN, and/or UN number — and download the ones you need for your records.

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  • Ask Us to Find and Monitor Safety Data Sheets

  • Ask Us to Find and Monitor SDSs

    Let us locate SDSs for you and monitor them for updates. If a new version becomes available, it’s added to your system automatically, and you can opt to receive notifications when updates occur.

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  • Access an Extensive Safety Data Sheet Library

  • Easily Create Your Own SDS Binders

    Organize your safety data sheets into binders by location with a few clicks, or upload your own existing binder for all-in-one access to your SDSs.

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  • Provide Easy SDS Access to Employees

  • Provide Easy SDS Access to Employees

    Give employees access to essential chemical hazard information by providing visibility to your Safety Data Sheets. Customize this feature with your company-specific information, choose your location(s), and generate a unique URL or QR code for fast, secure access.

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Frequently asked questions about Safety Data Sheets

Yes, OSHA allows Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) to be stored electronically, as long as employees can easily access them. The system must ensure that workers can quickly obtain SDS information without barriers.

Electronic storage can include:

  • Company internal systems or websites
  • Off-site or web-based SDS service providers

However:

  • Employees must not be required to perform an internet search to find an SDS
  • Employees must be trained on how to access and use the electronic system

These requirements ensure that SDS information is readily available when needed for safety and compliance.

“Readily accessible” means employees must be able to access Safety Data Sheets (SDSs during each work shift in their work area without barriers or delays. They must know where SDSs are located and be able to obtain them immediately when needed.

Key requirements include:

  • Employees must know the location of SDSs
  • There must be no barriers to access (e.g., not locked away or requiring supervisor permission)
  • There is no specific distance requirement, but access must be practical and immediate

If SDSs are stored electronically:

  • Employees must be trained on how to use the system

These conditions ensure employees can quickly access critical safety information whenever necessary.

The contractor is responsible for maintaining the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for any hazardous chemical they bring onto your site. They must also inform you that the SDS is available if your employees may be exposed to the chemical.

This ensures that SDS information is accessible when needed and that both the contractor and host employer are aware of potential chemical hazards affecting employees.

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) must be updated within three months when new significant information about a chemical’s hazards or protective measures becomes available. This ensures that users have current and accurate safety information.

Specifically:

  • Manufacturers, importers, or employers must update the SDS within three months of learning new hazard or protection information
  • If the chemical is no longer being produced or imported, the SDS must be updated before it is reintroduced into the workplace

These requirements ensure that SDSs remain accurate and reflect the latest safety information for each chemical.

You are considered in compliance if you maintain the most recent Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided with the latest shipment of a hazardous chemical. This ensures you are using the most up-to-date information supplied by the manufacturer or distributor.

If you did not receive an SDS with a shipment:

  • Contact the manufacturer, importer, or distributor
  • Request the current SDS directly

Keeping the most recent SDS received and obtaining one when missing helps ensure you have accurate and complete safety information for the chemical.

 

No, you cannot use just any company’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS). OSHA requires that the SDS match the specific product and its manufacturer.

Each SDS must be:

  • Product-specific
  • Manufacturer-specific

This ensures the information accurately reflects the exact chemical composition, hazards, and handling requirements of the product being used.

 

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