Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a structured document containing information about a hazardous chemical, including its identity, hazards, handling, storage, exposure controls, and emergency response procedures. Required under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), every chemical manufacturer or importer must develop an SDS for each hazardous chemical they produce. Employers using those chemicals must maintain an SDS for each, ensure SDSs are readily accessible to employees during their work shift, and use SDSs as the basis for employee chemical hazard training. SDSs follow a standardized 16-section format aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 16 sections of an SDS?
Per 29 CFR 1910.1200(g), the standardized GHS-aligned format requires: (1) Identification; (2) Hazard(s) Identification; (3) Composition/Information on Ingredients; (4) First-Aid Measures; (5) Fire-Fighting Measures; (6) Accidental Release Measures; (7) Handling and Storage; (8) Exposure Controls/PPE; (9) Physical and Chemical Properties; (10) Stability and Reactivity; (11) Toxicological Information; (12) Ecological Information (non-mandatory); (13) Disposal Considerations; (14) Transport Information; (15) Regulatory Information; (16) Other Information.
How must SDSs be maintained?
Per 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8), SDSs must be readily accessible during each work shift to employees in their work area. Electronic access is permitted if it provides immediate availability without barriers. The employer must also maintain an SDS for chemicals no longer used if employees were exposed (records retained for 30 years per 29 CFR 1910.1020).
Who must train employees on SDSs?
Per 29 CFR 1910.1200(h), employers must provide hazard communication training at the time of initial assignment and whenever new chemical hazards are introduced. Training must cover: methods to detect chemical presence; physical, health, and other hazards; protective measures; and details of the employer's HazCom program including how to read labels and SDSs.
What are common HazCom citations?
Common OSHA citations under 1910.1200: failure to develop a written hazard communication program (1910.1200(e)(1)); failure to maintain SDSs (1910.1200(g)(1)); failure to train employees (1910.1200(h)(1)); failure to label chemicals (1910.1200(f)). HazCom is annually among OSHA's top-cited general industry standards.
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