Which document must employers provide for employees regarding hazardous chemicals?

Employers are required to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace as mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). SDS are crucial documents that contain detailed information about chemical substances, including their properties, potential hazards, safe handling practices, emergency procedures, and information on what to do in case of exposure.

The purpose of SDS is to ensure that employees have access to vital information that can help them work safely with hazardous materials. This aligns with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, which aims to protect workers from chemical exposure by informing them about risks and necessary precautions.

While other documents, such as Workplace Safety Guidelines or an Employee Handbook, may contain useful information regarding general safety practices or company policies, they do not specifically address the detailed information that SDS provides regarding hazardous chemicals. Exposure Prevention Protocols may outline specific practices to reduce exposure but would not offer the comprehensive chemical-specific information that SDS delivers. Thus, providing SDS fulfills the legal requirement and a fundamental part of ensuring a safe workplace when dealing with hazardous substances.