A safety data sheet (SDS), also known as a material safety data sheet (MSDS), is a document that contains important information about a hazardous chemical. It includes information on the chemical‘s physical and chemical properties, health effects, first aid, storage, handling, and disposal.
SDSs are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (USA) and other similar safety regulators around the world for all chemicals that are classified as hazardous. OSHA defines a hazardous chemical as any chemical that is classified as a physical hazard or a health hazard.
SDSs must be readily available to all workers who may be exposed to a hazardous chemical. They must be in a language that the workers can understand.
SDSs are typically prepared by the chemical manufacturer or supplier. However, employers are responsible for ensuring that SDSs are available for all hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.
OSHA provides a template that employers can use to create their own SDSs. However, employers are not required to use this template.