Finding Safety Data Sheets (2024)

FAQs

How can I find Safety Data Sheets? ›

Hazardous chemical manufacturers and importers make SDS. You can get an SDS from: the manufacturer's website. the manufacturer, supplier or importer, if you ask for one.

The public has a right to MSDS data upon request. They must be written in English and contain: the name of the chemical (same as on the label) the chemical and common names of the substance.

If you cannot locate the manufacturer specific SDS, you can contact HSE to assist you in obtaining the information.

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), revised in 2012, requires that the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety Data Sheets) for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information on these hazards.

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDSs) to communicate the hazards of hazardous chemical products.

By law (see REACH, Chemical classification) suppliers of chemicals must provide an up to date safety data sheet if a substance is dangerous for supply.

Safety Data Sheet or SDSs are provided by chemical manufacturers and contain useful information about exposure limits, potential hazards, and selection of appropriate controls and personal protective equipment.

Employers must ensure that employees have access to safety data sheets for all of the hazardous chemicals they handle. Employers may fulfill this requirement in a variety of ways. For example, SDS binders are quite common as are computer-based SDS databases.

How long do you have to keep old SDS sheets? ›

OSHA standard, 29 CFR 1910.1020, Access to employee Exposure and Medical Records defines "employee exposure records" to include material safety data sheets. The standard requires all employee exposure records to be maintained for at least 30 years.

OSHA requires that employers maintain copies of SDSs for each chemical in the workplace classified as hazardous. Although some hazardous chemicals, such as household cleaning products, do not require the employer to maintain an SDS if used for the same purpose, duration, and frequency as a consumer.

Every chemical manufacturer or importer must provide an SDS for any hazardous materials they sell, and OSHA requires that all workplaces in the United States keep an SDS for every hazardous chemical onsite.

Electronic access and other alternatives to maintaining paper copies of the safety data sheets are permitted as long as no barriers to immediate employee access in each workplace are created by such options."

A Safety Data Sheet (formerly called Material Safety Data Sheet) is a detailed informational document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical. It describes the physical and chemical properties of the product.

Safety Data Sheets, Labels and other product tech sheets and literature are available upon request by contacting Customer Service at your local branch location. You can also visit manufacturer websites directly for immediate download.

Find chemical safety data sheets (SDS), formerly known as material safety data sheets, on the Fisher Scientific website using our SDS search. Click the Document and Certificates and then Safety Data Sheets links from the hamburger menu at the top left of the page.

Employers will be required to make sure that all hazardous products (as defined by the Hazardous Products Regulations have an up-to-date SDS when it enters the workplace. The SDSs must be readily available to the workers who are exposed to the hazardous product, and to the health and safety committee or representative.