What Are Safety Data Sheets? How to Manage Them Easily
Entrepreneurs in the United States start over 600,000 businesses each year. However, not all of these companies are able to thrive as time goes on.
One of the biggest complications that business owners experience is a lack of safety regulation at their facility. For this reason, it’s essential to use safety data sheets at your company.
Wondering what are safety data sheets? Let’s explore the key information that you need to know.
So, What Are Safety Data Sheets?
Safety data sheets are documents that provide information about the hazards of a chemical or mixture. These sheets include information on the physical and chemical properties of the substance, as well as any health hazards that it poses.
The sheets also provide guidance on what to do in case of an emergency, such as a spill. Safety data sheets must be created for all chemicals that are produced or imported into the United States.
Some of the most important segments of a safety data sheet include:
- Identification
- Hazard identification
- First-aid
- Proper storage and handling
Each of these sections provides critical information that can help you to keep your employees safe.
What Businesses Need Safety Data Sheets?
Any business that uses chemicals or produces chemical products must have safety data sheets. This includes businesses in a variety of industries, such as:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Hospitality
- Healthcare
If you’re not sure whether your business needs safety data sheets, you can check with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA.
They have specific guidelines for which companies must use them and will be able to provide additional information on the requirements in your area.
What Should I Look For in a Safety Data Sheet Provider?
There are many providers of safety data sheets, so it’s important to look for certain characteristics when choosing one.
Some things to consider include:
- The range of chemicals that the provider offers safety data sheets for
- The format and layout of their safety data sheets
- Whether they offer additional support or resources, such as training or consulting services
- The level of customer support that they offer, including a dedicated account manager or online customer portal
Ultimately, the best safety data sheet provider will be one that can help your business to comply with all applicable regulations while also providing high-quality documentation and expert advice. To find the right provider for your needs, be sure to shop around and compare your options.
You can check out this resource for more about how to find an MSDS online.
You Can’t Neglect the Utility of Safety Data Sheets
Safety data sheets are an essential tool for any business that uses or produces chemicals. By understanding the answer to “what are safety data sheets,” you’ll be able to ensure that you make the decision that is best for your business.
Looking for other useful information about running a successful company? Be sure to check out our blog for articles like this one.
