Can SDSs be stored on a computer to meet the accessibility requirements of HazCom?

If the employee’s work area includes the area where the SDSs can be obtained, then maintaining SDSs on a computer would be in compliance. If the SDSs can only be accessed outside the employee’s work area(s), then the employer would not be in compliance with §1910.1200(g)(8) or (9) and §1926.59.

Employers must ensure that the SDSs are readily accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals in their workplace. This may be done in many ways. For example, employers may keep the SDSs in a binder or on computers as long as the employees have immediate access to the information without leaving their work area when needed and a back-up is available for rapid access to the SDS in the case of a power outage or other emergency.