OSHA SDS Guide for Employers & Employees
Healthcare professionals dedicate their careers to protecting patients and communities. However, workplace exposure to hazardous chemicals can pose serious risks to healthcare workers themselves. A strong safety culture not only protects employees but also improves productivity and patient outcomes.
Education and communication are the foundation of chemical safety. To support safer workplaces, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), requiring employers to communicate hazardous chemical information through Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
In May 2024, OSHA issued a final rule updating the HCS to align with the seventh revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System (GHS). The rule took effect July 19, 2024, with phased compliance deadlines.
HCS Compliance Deadlines
Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors must update labels and SDSs by May 19, 2026 for substances and November 19, 2027 for mixtures.
Employers must update workplace labels, hazard communication programs, and employee training by November 20, 2026 for substances and May 19, 2028 for mixtures.
These updates clarify hazard classifications, add new hazard categories, and streamline precautionary statements.
What Is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
An SDS provides detailed information about a hazardous chemical, including:
Physical and chemical properties
Health and environmental hazards
Safe handling and storage procedures
Protective measures
Emergency first aid information
Manufacturers and importers must provide SDSs at shipment. Employers must ensure employees have immediate access to the most current SDSs for all hazardous chemicals used or stored onsite.
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) Requirements
The Hazard Communication Standard requires employers to:
Maintain a master list of hazardous chemicals
Create a written hazard communication program
Label workplace containers properly
Provide accessible SDSs
Deliver comprehensive employee training
Organizations that follow these steps significantly strengthen compliance and workplace safety.
Employer SDS Responsibilities
Employers must maintain an updated SDS for every hazardous chemical present in the workplace, regardless of frequency of use.
SDSs must be accessible during each work shift. They may be stored:
In physical binders
Electronically, with backup access available
If stored electronically, employees must be able to retrieve SDSs immediately without barriers. Requiring internet searches to locate documents does not meet OSHA accessibility standards.
Retention Requirements for SDSs
Employers are not explicitly required to retain SDSs for chemicals no longer used. However, OSHA requires records of hazardous chemical exposure to be maintained for 30 years. Keeping old SDSs is one way to meet that documentation requirement.
Manufacturers must update SDSs within three months of becoming aware of significant new hazard information. Employers should periodically confirm that their SDS library is current.
Ensuring SDS Compliance
Compliance starts with identifying every hazardous chemical onsite. A room-by-room inventory is often the most effective approach.
Once identified, organizations should confirm that:
All required SDSs are present
Documents are updated
Employees know where to find them
A responsible individual oversees SDS management
Clear ownership improves accountability and reduces compliance gaps.
SDS Guidance for Employees
Employees should review SDSs before handling hazardous chemicals such as laboratory agents, anesthetics, disinfectants, or cleaning solutions.
Workers must know:
Where SDSs are stored
How to access them quickly
How to interpret key sections
An SDS contains sixteen sections. The first three identify the chemical and hazards. Sections four through eight address first aid, firefighting measures, spill response, handling, storage, exposure controls, and personal protective equipment. Sections nine through eleven focus on chemical properties and toxicology. Sections twelve through fifteen fall under other regulatory agencies.
Training Requirements
Yes, OSHA requires training for employees who work with or around hazardous chemicals before exposure.
Training must go beyond reading SDSs. It should include:
Understanding chemical hazards
Risk mitigation strategies
Spill response procedures
How the Hazard Communication Standard applies in daily work
Effective training strengthens compliance while protecting employee health.
Exceptions to SDS Requirements
Some hazardous products are exempt under certain conditions.
Consumer products used in the same manner and frequency as household use may be exempt. Cosmetics intended for personal use by employees are also exempt. However, employers may still choose to maintain SDSs for these items.
Building a Safer Healthcare Workplace
Maintaining accurate SDS records, updating hazard communication programs, and providing ongoing training reduces workplace injuries and regulatory risk.
Compliance is not just about meeting OSHA requirements. It supports a safer, more productive healthcare environment that protects employees, patients, and the community.
Learn more about how Secure Waste can support your healthcare compliance program and hazardous waste management needs.
In Conclusion:
Secure Waste will save you money on biomedical waste disposal. We understand these hazards.
Staying informed and proactive is vital as regulations and workplace risks evolve. Together, we can prioritize health and safety, increase awareness, and promote responsible actions to create a healthier future for all.
We provide reliable, compliant, and environmentally responsible biomedical waste disposal solutions tailored to your facility’s specific needs.
Please feel free to contact us today to request a complimentary waste assessment or obtain a quote online. https://www.securewaste.net/biohazard-waste-quote/
Disclaimer This information is provided for reference purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Regulations frequently change and vary by state. We encourage you to consult regulatory authorities or Secure Waste directly for the most current information. Secure Waste is not liable, in part or in whole, for any information contained on this page or website.
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