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.

VelocityEHS is home to the industry-leading online library of safety data sheets, or SDSs (formerly known as material safety data sheets, or MSDSs).

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

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.

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDSs) to communicate the hazards of hazardous chemical products.

The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.

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.

SDS Information for Employers

What's important is that employees have access to the safety data sheets for all of the chemicals that they are using. If the employer does not have an SDS for one of these chemicals they should contact the manufacturer to obtain the current version of the SDS for that chemical.

Where can I find data sheets? ›

Datasheets.com is the easiest search engine to find datasheets of electronic parts. Datasheets.com stands out as the most user-friendly search engine for locating electronic parts datasheets. Explore millions of components from numerous manufacturers effortlessly using either the search input or the context menu.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is responsible for conducting research on chemical hazards and providing scientifically valid recommendations for protecting workers. SDSs can be easily located online.

The chemical manufacturer is responsible for the initial information on the MSDSs. If this information is altered by any of the subsequent entities which handle the MSDS, then that entity becomes responsible for the MSDS content.

Both standards cited above refer to the employee's right to access information and both make specific reference to material safety data sheets. Under 1910.1020, the employee must request the record of exposure, while under 1910.1200, the MSDSs must be available to employees without having to ask.

Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to obtain or develop a Material Safety Data Sheet for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Distributors are responsible for ensuring that their customers are provided a copy of these MSDS sheets.

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.

Federal law requires U.S. employers to have Safety Data Sheets, or SDS, in the workplace for the specific chemicals they use. The purpose of an SDS is to provide employees and emergency workers with detailed safety information and proper handling instructions.