Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

What are Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?

A Safety Data Sheet is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or managing different substances. SDS include information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures. This information is particularly important if a spill or other type of accident occurs.

According to the OSHA Standard 1910.1200 (the OSHA Haz-com standard), a hazardous chemical is one which is a physical or health hazard.

Health hazard: means a chemical, for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one scientific study, can cause acute or chronic health effects in exposed employees. The term "health hazard" includes chemicals such as, carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic system, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.

Physical hazard: means a chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.

Who are SDS for?

SDS are meant for:

Employees who may be occupationally exposed to a hazard at work
Employers who need to know the proper methods for storage, etc
Emergency responders such as fire fighter, hazardous material crews, emergency medical technicians, and emergency room staff

Safety Data Sheets and Hazmat Consulting

PHTA offers members low-cost Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on demand and a chemical spill control hotline that keeps your business OSHA-compliant and your employees and customers safe.

Subscribing to the SDS service through PHTA takes the “unsure” out of hazmat management—and gives you and your employees peace of mind and emergency help 24/7, 365 days a year at an impressive 65% savings off the regular cost of this service.

For Builders, Retailers, Service Companies, Manufacturers’ Agents, and Associate Companies: