SHERM - Frequently Asked Questions

An SDS (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)) includes information such as the composition of each ingredients; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.

It provides guidance for each specific chemical on things such as:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• First aid procedures
• Spill clean-up procedure 
• Physical and chemical properties

The change from MSDS to SDS was done to conform to the United Nation's Globally Harmonized System (GHS), which mandates the use of a strictly ordered 16 sectopm format. The MSDS form did not require any particular format, which led to a lot of confusion.

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (1910.1200) and Lab Safety Standard (1910.1450) both require that SDSs be readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s).

Laboratories, facilities or shops that use chemicals must obtain an SDS that is specific to each chemical used in the workplace. 

The most common method is by performing an Internet search. Most companies have SDSs for the chemicals they sell available on their websites. 

You can also contact the manufacturer of the chemical directly and request a copy.

The manufacturer or distributor of hazardous substances is required to provide an SDS for every substance that they distribute with the initial shipment. Be sure to send it to the Safety Health Environmental and Risk Management Office (SHERM) at PRK 153. Check with your department to see if they need a copy as well.

Go to www.osha.gov and look for hazard communiction. 

MSDS/SDS forms are located at http://ferris.msdssoftware.com. 

If your department does not need a copy of the SDS send the SDS to SHERM at PRK 153, otherwise make a copy for your department and send the original to SHERM.