What is a safety data sheet (SDS)?

A safety data sheet (SDS) is a crucial document that provides comprehensive information on the properties of hazardous chemicals. It outlines details such as the chemical's composition, potential hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency response measures. This information is essential for ensuring safety in the workplace, particularly in environments where hazardous materials are used or stored. By providing clear guidelines on how to handle these chemicals, the SDS helps protect workers from exposure and informs them about the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to use.

Having this information readily accessible allows employees to be better prepared to respond effectively to spills, exposure, or other emergencies. Furthermore, the SDS is a key component in compliance with occupational safety regulations, which require that employees are informed about the hazards associated with the materials they work with. It serves as a primary resource for safety in environments dealing with hazardous substances.