What is required of employers to ensure chemical safety in the workplace?

Employers are required to maintain and provide access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), now more commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), to ensure chemical safety in the workplace. These documents contain essential information about the properties of each chemical, including hazards, handling instructions, storage requirements, and emergency measures in case of an incident. By making these materials readily accessible to employees, employers empower workers with the knowledge necessary to safely handle hazardous substances, recognize potential hazards, and follow proper protocols.

This requirement is a fundamental part of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) established by OSHA, which aims to ensure that information about chemical hazards and associated protective measures is effectively communicated to all employees. Access to SDS is crucial for the effective training of employees and contributes to creating a safer workplace by reducing the risk of chemical-related injuries or illnesses.