How long must SDSs be kept after a chemical is no longer used?

Once employees have no exposure to the chemical, there is no need to keep the SDS. However, if an employer is using SDSs to comply with 1910.1020, “ Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records,” then they need to be kept for the life of the exposed employee’s employment, plus thirty years, according to the exposure records requirements under 1910.1020(d)(1)(ii).

Be aware that employers are not required to keep SDSs as their exposure records, nor are required to keep their chemical inventory lists. Employers ARE required to keep a record of what chemical was used, when it was used, and where in the facility it was used.