Employee / Employer Responsibilities

Employers must ensure that the most current SDSs are readily accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals in their workplace.

• Ex. , employers may keep the SDSs in a binder or on computers as long as the employees have immediate access to the information without leaving their work area when needed and a back-up is available for rapid access to the SDS in the case of a power outage or other emergency.

Employers may designate a person(s) responsible for obtaining and maintaining the SDSs.

• If the employer does not have an SDS, the employer or designated person(s) should contact the manufacturer to obtain one.

Safety data sheets shall also be made readily available, upon request, to designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary, and the Director, in accordance with the requirements of § 1910.1020(e).

• Employers shall provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area.
• The details of the hazard communication program developed by the employer, including an explanation of the labels received on shipped containers and the workplace labeling system used by their employer; the safety data sheet, including the order of information and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information.
• Employers shall train employees regarding the new label elements and safety data sheets format  when first hired and annually thereafter.