{"id":46417,"date":"2023-03-31T15:33:09","date_gmt":"2023-03-31T15:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/?p=46417"},"modified":"2024-11-26T14:47:05","modified_gmt":"2024-11-26T14:47:05","slug":"how-to-develop-and-maintain-safety-data-sheets-sds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atlantictraining.com\/blog\/how-to-develop-and-maintain-safety-data-sheets-sds\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Develop and Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace can\u2019t be taken lightly. In the least serious cases, it can lead to mild irritation or discomfort. In the most severe situations, it can cause long-term health problems, disabilities, and even fatalities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

It’s crucial for employers to implement strict safety protocols and educate their workers on the risks and proper handling of hazardous substances. Without these precautions, people’s lives (and your company) could be at stake.<\/span><\/p>

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are meant to mitigate some of these risks. Not only do they help keep your employees safe, but they also help keep your company safe from <\/span>OSHA citations.<\/span><\/p>

According to <\/span>OSHA\u2019s website<\/span><\/a>, SDSs are:<\/span><\/p>

Safety data sheets (SDS) are detailed information bulletins prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a chemical that describes the physical and chemical properties, physical and health hazards, routes of exposure, precautions for safe handling and use, emergency and first-aid procedures, and control measures.<\/span><\/i><\/p>

In this blog post, we\u2019ll walk you through a simple but effective process on how to develop and maintain Safety Data Sheets. By taking care of your SDS process now, you\u2019ll be better equipped to handle every other part of your job; entrusting that all invested parties are being kept safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is OSHA\u2019s Hazardous Communication Standard?<\/span><\/h2>\n

OSHA\u2019s Hazardous Communication Standard<\/span> (also known as HazCom or HCS) was established to ensure that workers are informed about any hazardous chemicals they may encounter in the workplace.<\/span><\/p>

The goal is to provide a comprehensive approach to hazardous chemical documentation and communication. This allows employees to understand the potential risks of working around such chemicals.<\/span><\/p>

It also means your employees are given the necessary information to protect themselves. The steps to do so are clearly laid out for them and easy to follow.<\/span><\/p>

The HazCom Standard requires employers to develop a written hazard communication program. This program needs to include a list of hazardous chemicals in your workplace, labeling requirements, and the safety data sheets (SDSs) for each chemical.<\/span><\/p>

Your SDSs must provide information on:<\/span><\/p>