A safety data sheet template is used to inform workers of the properties, hazards, and safe use of chemicals in an occupational setting. Chemical manufacturers can use this template to write and update safety data sheets, and workers can use it as a safety guide when handling hazardous chemicals.
A Safety Data Sheet is a document that provides detailed information regarding the properties, hazards, and safe use of chemicals. It serves as an occupational safety guide for workers when handling hazardous chemicals in a workplace setting. Under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), the United Nations require safety data sheets to follow a 16-section format with detailed information on chemical properties, hazards, and safety measures.
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard and Lab Safety Standard require chemical manufacturers, distributors, and importers to provide safety data sheets on the first delivery of a chemical, and upon request of the client. Facilities that use chemicals are also required by law to have safety data sheets available to workers at all times because they are essential to keeping a safe work environment through awareness of hazards and preventive measures.
By nature, a safety data sheet is very detailed and comprehensive. So much so, that even professionals can sometimes get lost in the details and have difficulty finding the information they need. Here are some of the most important information on a safety data sheet to help keep the workplace safe:
The “validity” or expiration date of issued safety data sheets depends on local regulations. There are countries that require updating SDS every 3 or 5 years while in the US, Canada, and Europe, SDS are to be updated as soon as there is new or significant information that will affect the handling of products or protective measures against hazards.
To give you an idea of how a completed Safety Data Sheet looks like, here’s a sample report. View the full PDF report here.
Safety Data Sheet Example PDF | SafetyCulture
Safety data sheets are extensive documents that easily use up numerous pages per chemical. Using the SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) mobile app, chemical manufacturers and distributors can create, update, and distribute safety data sheets for clients using customizable templates and share them instantly. Safety officers can also compile, catalog, and distribute safety data sheets to workers through SafetyCulture, and workers can access safety data sheets offline to ensure that proper safety protocols are followed:
In creating a material data sheet using SafetyCulture, you can:
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Article by SafetyCulture Content SpecialistJona Tarlengco is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture since 2018. She usually writes about safety and quality topics, contributing to the creation of well-researched articles. Her years of experience in one of the world’s leading business news organisations helps enrich the quality of the information in her work.
A chemical risk assessment form is used by safety officers to identify chemical hazards in the workplace and recommend controls to reduce exposure and minimize harm to workers.
A COSHH form is used to help control the exposure to hazardous substances to prevent serious illnesses and health problems. Employers can use COSHH forms to evaluate work activities and record control measures to protect workers against hazardous substances.
This COSHH assessment template based from the Health and Safety Executive of the UK. Employers can use this template to assess the hazards associated with the usage of chemical substances and list exposure controls for the protection of workers.
This checklist is used by safety officers when conducting inspections on the proper handling, storing, and disposal of hazardous chemical substances. It can be used to check if employees are wearing appropriate PPE and are trained on emergency procedures, inspect chemical containers to ensure packages are labelled clearly, and evaluate if hazardous chemicals are stored properly.