The Safety Data Sheet (SDS), also known as the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is at the heart of federal OSHA’s hazard communication standard (HazCom). The SDS/MSDS is a detailed, written description of a hazardous chemical that must be kept in the workplace where such chemicals are used.

Significant new requirements were added to OSHA’s HazCom rule that will require employers to train their employees how to read and interpret the new SDS.

By December 1, 2013, employers must train their employees how to read and interpret the new SDS. Many employers will go through a phase-in period where both MSDSs and SDSs will be present in the workplace. During the phase-in period, employers may train their employees how to read and interpret SDSs, or MSDSs, or both at the same time.

By June 1, 2015, all MSDSs must be replaced with SDSs.

More on MSDS/SDS training requirements ...

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