What is a common use for safety data sheets (SDS)?

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) serve a crucial role in workplace safety by detailing hazardous properties and handling precautions related to specific substances. These documents are essential for ensuring that employees who are exposed to or work with chemicals are fully informed about the risks associated with those materials. The information contained in an SDS typically includes details on the chemical's composition, potential health effects, recommended safety measures, proper handling and storage procedures, and emergency response actions in case of spills or accidents. This comprehensive information is vital for promoting a safe working environment and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

In contrast, providing product inventory, listing supplier information, and recording employee training represent important aspects of workplace management but do not encompass the primary function of an SDS. While product inventory may help track supplies, and supplier information may assist in procurement processes, neither addresses the specific hazards and safety protocols that SDS documents are designed to convey. Proper training records are essential for verifying that employees have completed necessary safety training but do not focus on the hazardous properties of materials they may encounter. Therefore, detailing hazardous properties and handling precautions is the fundamental purpose of Safety Data Sheets.