Who must prepare and provide SDSs?

Chemical manufacturers and importers must obtain or develop a SDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. They make the determinations as to what chemicals are covered within the context of the standard’s requirements and develop an appropriate SDS.

Distributors must ensure that SDSs, and updated information, are provided to other distributors and employers with their initial shipment and with the first shipment after a SDS is updated. The distributor must either provide SDSs with the shipped containers, or send them to the other distributor or employer prior to or at the time of the shipment.

Retail distributors selling hazardous chemicals to employers having a commercial account must provide a SDS to those employers upon request.

Wholesale distributors selling hazardous chemicals to employers over-the-counter may also provide SDSs upon the request of the employer at the time of the purchase, and must post a sign or otherwise inform the employer that a SDS is available.