When is a safety data sheet (SDS) required in the workplace?

A safety data sheet (SDS) is a crucial document required in workplaces that handle hazardous chemicals. It provides essential information about the properties of the chemicals, including their hazards, handling and storage requirements, emergency measures, and what to do in case of spills or exposure.

The requirement for SDS is anchored in OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, which mandates that employers must ensure that SDS are readily available for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace. This means that whenever hazardous chemicals are present, whether in a manufacturing facility, a laboratory, or any other setting, an SDS must be provided to ensure that workers have the necessary information to work safely with those materials.

In contrast, having proper storage of chemicals, employee requests for information, or the introduction of new products does not independently trigger the necessity for an SDS. Instead, the presence of hazardous chemicals is the definitive factor that necessitates the existence and accessibility of these critical documents.