Is it Time to Revise Your Safety Data Sheets?

CATEGORIES: SDS
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Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are crucial for keeping your workplace safe. However, having outdated SDS can be dangerous and non-compliant. Regular updates and revisions are not just recommended—they are essential. They ensure that your information stays accurate and effective. So, how do you know when it’s time to revise your SDS? Let’s find out.

Why Are Safety Data Sheets Important?

Safety Data Sheets are key to chemical safety at work. They help ensure employees know how to handle and use dangerous substances safely. SDS are also important because they:

  • Ensure Compliance: Help your business meet local, national, and international safety regulations.
  • Manage Risks: Identify and reduce risks associated with hazardous chemicals.
  • Aid in Emergencies: Provide critical information to protect employees and the environment.

When Should You Update Your Safety Data Sheets?

Regulatory Changes

Safety regulations are always changing. Updating standards like OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), REACH, or GHS might mean your SDS needs to be revised. Keep up with regulatory changes to stay compliant.

New Chemicals

When introducing a new chemical into your workplace, you need a new SDS that ensures everyone has the information necessary for safe handling.

Changes in Chemical Composition

If the makeup of an existing chemical changes, the SDS for that chemical must be updated. Even small changes in the formula can affect safety and handling procedures.

New Hazard Information

Sometimes, new research reveals additional hazards or safety information about a chemical. When this happens, you must update your SDS to include the latest information.

Regular Reviews

Even if nothing has changed, reviewing your SDS periodically is a good idea. This helps ensure that all the information is still accurate and up to date.

NOTE:  The requirement for the employer to update or obtain updated SDSs in the workplace is regulated by your jurisdiction. The employer must actively seek an updated SDS every three years in Federal workplace WHMIS legislation (e.g., Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations), British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. The employer should ask the supplier for written confirmation if the SDS content has not changed or if an updated SDS is not available.

Benefits of Updating Your Safety Data Sheets

  • Increased Safety: Up-to-date SDS help employees handle hazardous substances safely, reducing the risk of accidents.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Keeping SDS current helps avoid fines and legal issues.
  • Better Efficiency: Accurate SDS improves hazard communication and emergency response, making your workplace more efficient.

How Can We Help?

At Global Hazmat, we offer a wide range of services to ensure your SDS are always up to date and compliant:

  • Safety Data Sheet Authoring
  • Complete Compliance Management
  • SDS Reformatting and Updating
  • SDS Translations
  • Creating Extended Safety Data Sheets
  • Classification of Substances and Products: According to current regulatory standards, to determine hazard communication requirements.
  • Identify Data Gaps: Ensuring compliance with current regulatory standards.
  • Prepare Workplace Product Labels: Use our experience and expertise for your organization.

Call us today or contact us online to learn more about our SDS authoring and consulting services or to schedule a consultation.

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