What are the requirements and limits to using generic SDSs?

OSHA's requirements for SDSs are found in paragraph 29 CFR 1910.1200(g). The chemical manufacturer or importer must obtain or develop a safety data sheet (SDS) for each chemical they produce or import. Employers must have an SDS in the workplace for each hazardous chemical which they use.

OSHA says that where complex mixtures has similar hazards and contents, in other words the chemical ingredients are essentially the same but the specific composition varies from mixture to mixture, the manufacturer, importer, or employer can prepare one SDS to apply to all of the similar mixtures.

Therefore, a single SDS can be developed for the various combinations of chemicals, as long as the hazards of the various mixtures are similar. This “generic” SDS must meet all of the minimum requirements found in 29 CFR 1910.1200(g), including the name, U.S. address and U.S. telephone number of the responsible party preparing or distributing the SDS who can provide additional information.