Understanding OSHA’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Quick Card
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a crucial document that provides essential information about the hazards, properties, and safe handling practices for chemicals used in the workplace. It is designed to provide employers and employees with the necessary information to work with hazardous chemicals safely. SDSs are required by OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to ensure that employers clearly understand the chemicals in their workplace and that employees are adequately informed about the potential hazards.
OSHA’s SDS Quick Card
The SDS Quick Card is a condensed reference tool provided by OSHA to help employers and employees understand the key elements of a Safety Data Sheet. The Quick Card highlights the critical information within an SDS and provides a convenient guide for individuals working with hazardous chemicals. The card breaks down the SDS into 16 distinct sections, each containing specific information about the chemical. These sections are as follows: