What format must Safety Data Sheets now follow, as mandated by OSHA?

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are required to follow a 16-section format as mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). This standardized format ensures consistency and ease of use across products and industries, allowing workers and emergency responders to quickly find relevant safety information.

The 16 sections are organized to provide essential details, including identification of the chemical, hazard identification, composition/information on ingredients, first-aid measures, firefighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure controls/personal protection, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, ecological information, disposal considerations, transport information, regulatory information, and other relevant information. This systematic approach facilitates a better understanding of chemical hazards and safe handling practices.

Having standardized information also enhances safety by making it easier for workers to locate critical information swiftly, which can be vital in emergency situations.