Finding Safety Data Sheets (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to obtain safety data sheets? ›

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

SDS Manager offers a free online service available to everyone, where you can find and download Safety Data Sheets for your business.

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), revised in 2012, requires that the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety Data Sheets) for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information on these hazards.

Steps to writing an SDS

Collect as much data as possible pertaining to the physical and chemical properties and toxicity data for chemical. All potential health hazards must be determined, not just those identified by OSHA. Analyze existing data to determine the physical and health hazards.

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.

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.

SDSs can't be stored behind a locked door that only certain people have access to, or in a box on the wall with a lock on it, or with a supervisor that you have to ask permission to get to them, or in an electronic system that's so password protected that no one can get to them, or so borrowed in an electronic system ...

What is the difference between SDS and MSDS? ›

The main difference between an MSDS and an SDS is the standardized formatting. All SDSs follow the GHS's 16 section formatting, while MSDSs could come in many different formats depending on the organization. Beyond that, they aim to convey the same information regarding chemical hazards.

A Safety Data Sheet (formerly called Material Safety Data Sheet) is a detailed informational document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical. It describes the physical and chemical properties of the product.

It is recommended that SDSs are maintained in a hard copy log format which includes all applicable chemicals in that particular workplace. Multiple logs or additional copies of SDSs may be necessary to ensure that all employees have access to the information.

As discussed above, items that are not hazardous or that are specifically exempted in the OSHA HazCom Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 do not require an SDS. Section G. 2 of the OSHA Inspection Procedures for the HazCom Standard explicitly states the standard requires SDSs only for hazardous chemicals.

Any product that is considered a hazardous chemical requires a safety data sheet. A hazardous chemical, as defined by the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), is any chemical which can cause a physical or a health hazard. This determination is made by the chemical manufacturer, as described in 29 CFR 1910.1200(d).

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.

A Safety Data Sheet (formerly called Material Safety Data Sheet) is a detailed informational document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical. It describes the physical and chemical properties of the product.

Where do you get MSDS Certificate? Various laboratories conduct detailed chemical analysis to prepare and provide MSDS certificate for manufacturers and suppliers. Sigma Test and Research Centre provide a wide range of chemical analysis services within their chemical analysis laboratories issuing MSDS certificate.