How sure are you that your business is operating legally? Without safety data sheets (SDS), it may not be.
As a business owner, understanding an SDS is necessary to avoid legal trouble, but what is the purpose of a safety data sheet? An SDS not only provides useful info, but it can also protect employees.
In this guide, we will outline various things to know about safety data sheets to help you save some time. Soon, you can determine whether your business needs them and figure out the best way to implement them.
Read on to learn several important facts in this safety data sheet guide.
What Is a Safety Data Sheet?
Many businesses don’t have to deal with safety data sheets. However, those that handle hazardous chemicals must use them to comply with OSHA regulations.
Safety data sheets contain a variety of information that outlines exactly what is in a hazardous chemical or material. With this info, both businesses and the government can ensure that products are safe long before customers receive them.
What Is the Purpose of a Safety Data Sheet?
The idea behind a safety data sheet is to ensure that info about hazardous chemicals is accessible to anyone that needs it. A safety data sheet contains an identifier for a product, contact info for the manufacturer, an emergency phone number, and more.
Another safety data sheet purpose is employee protection. Using safety data sheets, you can review the recommended first-aid measures for any chemical. If a chemical is flammable, you’ll also find info on fire-fighting measures.
Why Workers Should Have Access to This Info
While not every business needs safety data sheets, yours may. If your business handles chemicals of any kind, start using them immediately and make them available for employees.
Providing access to employees will ensure everyone’s aware of the chemicals they’re working with. Aside from that, you’ll have an easier time training employees because most of the info they’ll need is on the sheets.
If you learn more about the safety data sheet sections, you’ll have a better time understanding why your employees should have them. All you must do is print copies of the sheets or share them electronically.
Start Using Safety Data Sheets to Keep Employees Safe
So what is the purpose of a safety data sheet? Safety.
After reading this article, you now know how important it is to use safety data sheets when handling hazardous items. With this info, you should start determining whether your business needs them to comply with regulations.
If you are unsure of whether you need them, consider contacting OSHA. The more info you can get about safety data sheets, the simpler it will be to implement them.
To get more business advice, have a look at the rest of our blog. You’ll have no problem finding something that can help you.