How do you know if a chemical is required to have an SDS?
John Thompson
Updated on January 10, 2026
Every chemical manufacturer or importer must provide an SDS for any hazardous materials they sell, and OSHA requires that all workplaces in the United States keep an SDS for every hazardous chemical onsite.
How do I know if I need an SDS sheet?
As required under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200, a safety data sheet (SDS) must precede or accompany the initial shipment of any hazardous material defined as such under the Act. For items previously ordered, an SDS must also be supplied if the SDS has changed since the previous shipment.What requires an SDS sheet?
OSHA only requires safety data sheets (SDSs) for hazardous products or chemicals. GLT Products, along with other manufacturers are not required to provide SDSs for non-hazardous materials or products. OSHA has left it up to the producer whether or not they should provide SDSs for non-hazardous materials.How do you tell if a chemical is hazardous on SDS?
To identify if a substance is hazardous, check the product's container label and/or the SDS which is available from the supplier. If a product is not classified as a hazardous chemical under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, a SDS is not required and therefore may not be available.Are chemical manufacturers required to provide SDS?
OSHA's HCS [29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(6)(i)] states "Chemical manufacturers or importers shall ensure that distributors and employers are provided an appropriate material safety data sheet with their initial shipment and with the first shipment after a material safety data sheet is updated." You have asked for clarification ...Safety Data Sheet (SDS) - Video 2
What determines if a chemical is hazardous?
A hazardous chemical, as defined by the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), is any chemical which can cause a physical or a health hazard. This determination is made by the chemical manufacturer, as described in 29 CFR 1910.1200(d).What does not need an SDS?
Anything lacking physical and health hazards is not hazardous and, therefore, does not require an SDS.What is exempt from SDS?
Any consumer product where:It is used in the workplace for the purpose the manufacturer intended. The duration and frequency of exposure is the same as reasonably experienced by consumers. For example, White-Out used to correct occasional mistakes would be exempted.
Do consumer products require SDS?
While an SDS is not mandatory for consumer products, try to obtain a safety data sheet for all products. Many manufacturers have prepared an SDS as a service for their customers. If an SDS is not available, search for information about the products (or their ingredients) using reliable sources.Are safety data sheets required for medications?
MSDSs are required to be prepared and transmitted with the initial shipment of all hazardous chemicals including drugs and pharmaceutical products, except for drugs as defined by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act which are in solid, final form for direct administration to the patient (i.e., tablets, pills, or ...What contains safety data?
An SDS (formerly known as MSDS) includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.Do batteries require an SDS?
Battery manufacturers may provide an SDS as a measure of product stewardship but it's typically not necessary for employers to maintain the SDS as the batteries are considered manufactured items.Which 3 types of products are excluded from Labelling and SDS requirements?
The exclusions under WHMIS 2015 are:
- Explosives as defined in the Explosives Act.
- Cosmetic, device, drug or food as defined in the Food and Drugs Act.
- Pest control products as defined in the Pest Control Products Act.
- Consumer products as defined in the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.
- Wood or products made of wood.
Which agency requires an SDS for every hazardous drug in the pharmacy?
These are required by the FDA for some potentially dangerous drugs to provide patients with information for safe use of the medication. This regulation requires every parenteral compounding facility to have a quality assurance program.In what consumer products is SDS found?
Examples of these products are air fresheners, cleaners, adhesives, paints, anti-bacterial products, and nail polishes.Do commercially available cleaners need an SDS?
Yes. Employers will be required to make sure that all hazardous products (as defined by the Hazardous Products Regulations have an up-to-date SDS when it enters the workplace.Which hazardous materials are exempt from WHMIS?
Exemptions from WHMIS Legislation
- Explosives (as defined in the Explosives Act)
- Cosmetics, devices, drugs or foods (as defined in the Food and Drugs Act)
- Pest control products (as defined in the Pest Control Products Act)
- Consumer products (as defined in the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act)
- Wood or wood products;
What are the requirements for chemical labels?
Labels for a hazardous chemical must contain:Name, Address and Telephone Number • Product Identifier • Signal Word • Hazard Statement(s) • Precautionary Statement(s) • Pictogram(s) Page 3 3 above, the label could state, “Do not breathe vapors or spray. Get medical attention if you feel unwell.
