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A hazardous chemical’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the detailed source of information for that chemical prepared in accordance with paragraph (g) of 1910.1200. The SDS provides information to workers and employers — what the chemical looks and smells like, the hazards, how to store it, and how to dispose of it — which can help establish appropriate protective measures.
OSHA’s HazCom standard applies to general industry, shipyard, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction employment and covers chemical manufacturers, importers, employers, and employees exposed to chemical hazards. Basically, any employer with one employee and one hazardous chemical is covered. Depending on whether a business manufactures, distributes, sells, or simply uses chemicals, the requirements under the HazCom standard vary. Chemical manufacturers have the most stringent requirements in that they are responsible for classifying chemicals as to their hazards. However, employers who use hazardous chemicals have responsibilities to communicate information to employees about the hazards of the chemicals they work with.
Note: There are only two types of work operations where coverage of the rule is limited (but not totally eliminated). These are laboratories and operations where chemicals are only handled in sealed containers (e.g., a warehouse). Basically, employers having these types of work operations need only keep labels on containers as they are received, maintain safety data sheets that are received (and give employees access to them), and provide information and training for employees. These employers do not have to have written hazard communication programs and lists of chemicals for these types of operations.
The HazCom standard requires that: