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Faculty & Staff Home Safety Resources & Training Safety Data Sheets
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Overview
Last Updated: January 27, 2021 9:06:38 AM PSTGive feedback
Learn about employer and employee responsibilities for accessing and using SDSs to develop safe work
procedures.

Need a Safety Data Sheet now? Go to SDS Sources.

Purpose
A Safety Data Sheet (formerly called Material Safety Data Sheet) is a detailed informational document prepared
by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical. It describes the physical and chemical properties of
the product. SDSs contain useful information such as toxicity, flash point, procedures for spills and leaks,
storage guidelines, and exposure control.
See SDS Explained to learn how to read a Safety Data Sheet.
SDS Sources
Safety Data Sheets are one of many tools for evaluating chemical hazards. Before beginning work with a
hazardous material, consult several safety sources to obtain sufficient information on how to protect yourself.

See Safety Data Sheet Sources for access to an extensive list of SDSs and other chemical hazard information
resources.
Employer responsibilities
Employers are required by law to provide workers with access to SDSs. UC San Diego facilities where
hazardous materials are handled are also required by law to either retain hard copies of SDSs provided by
manufacturers or teach all personnel how to obtain SDSs electronically.

Note: Electronic Safety Data Sheets are preferred because UCSD has a large and frequently changing inventory
of chemicals.

Employee responsibilities
Employees must know how to read and understand an SDS. To learn more, see Safety Data Sheets Explained.

Related policies
Hazard Communication, California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, §5194
Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories (The Laboratory Standard), CCR, Title 8,
§5191
OSHA Brief - Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets, U.S. Dept. of Labor-OSHA
Labs: Contact an EH&S Research Assistance Program specialist.
Shops and studios: Contact an EH&S General Safety specialist.
Note: this page has a friendly link that is easy to remember: http://blink.ucsd.edu/go/sds

Resources & Training

Public Health Information
Safety Coordinator Resources
Safety Data Sheets
SDS Explained
SDS Sources
Safety Training
Departments
Environment, Health & Safety
See also
Chemical Hygiene Plan

Hazard Communication Program

Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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