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

The primary purpose of a safety data sheet (SDS) is to provide detailed information on how to safely handle and work with hazardous chemicals. An SDS includes crucial safety information like physical and chemical properties, health hazards, protective measures, and safety precautions for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of the chemicals. This document plays an essential role in ensuring that employees and responders are aware of the potential dangers associated with the substances they work with, allowing them to take appropriate precautions and respond effectively in case of an emergency.

While assisting with legal compliance is an important aspect of an SDS, as it helps companies meet OSHA standards and other regulations regarding hazardous materials, its main and most critical function centers around safety. The SDS is fundamentally a tool for safeguarding health and safety in the workplace by clearly communicating the hazards involved with chemicals.