Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that summarizes information concerning a hazardous chemical. It is a requirement of both the OSHA Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) and Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (29 CFR 1910.1450) Standards. Each SDS must be in English (although the employer may maintain copies in other languages as well), and must contain the following information: the chemical’s hazardous ingredients; physical and chemical characteristics; fire and explosion hazard information; accidental release measures; handling and safe use information; exposure control measures; stability and reactivity data; health hazard data; emergency and first aid procedures; toxicological and ecological information; disposal procedures; transportation and regulatory information.

Safety Data Sheets are:

  1. Required to be maintained in a location immediately accessible to all staff throughout each work shift (preferably near the written plan).
  2. Required to be maintained in an organized manner (i.e., alphabetically) and labeled.
  3. Required to be accompanied by an inventory of chemicals used in the work area. A chemical inventory must be maintained in the EH&S Chem Bio Portal.
  4. The SDS can be directly linked to each chemical inventory item.
  5. Provided by the manufacturer/distributor upon ordering chemical(s)
  6. Obtained with the chemical shipment or retrieved from the manufacturer/distributor website. EH&S may also be contacted (7-4712) for assistance. 

List of SDS websites

EH&S Chem Bio Portal has the capability of attaching electronic SDS to the individual chemical in the inventory.