Safety Data Sheets are critical to keeping employees informed of the identities and hazards of the chemicals present in their workplace. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS, 29 CFR 1910.1200), often called the “Right-to-Know” standard, requires the development and dissemination of important hazardous chemical information. In addition, this vital information must be available and understandable to workers. All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and they must train them to handle the chemicals appropriately.
An important component of this workplace standard is the set of nine GHS pictograms. Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border and represents a distinct hazard(s). Eight of the nine pictograms are mandatory under OSHA’s HCS; the ninth, the environment pictogram, is non-mandatory. The pictogram on the label is determined by the chemical hazard classification. The pictograms help alert workers to the types of hazards they are dealing with and enhance worker comprehension. As a result, workers have better information available on the safe handling and use of hazardous chemicals.
In addition to the pictograms, Safety Data Sheets are valuable in communicating information regarding hazardous chemicals in the workplace. These sheets have a specified 16-section format. Sections 1 through 8 contain general information about the chemical: identification, hazards, composition, first aid, firefighting, accidental release measures, safe handling practices, and exposure controls and personal protection. This information should be helpful to those who need to get the information quickly. Sections 9 through 11 and 16 contain other technical and scientific information, such as physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, and other information including the date of preparation or last revision. Sections 12 through 15 must be included to be consistent with the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, but OSHA does not enforce their content because those topics fall under other agencies.
Specific Sections of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Safety Data Sheets
- Section 1: Identification
- Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification
- Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients
- Section 4: First-Aid Measures
- Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures
- Section 6: Accidental Release Measures
- Section 7: Handling and Storage
- Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
- Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
- Section 10: Stability and Reactivity
- Section 11: Toxicological Information
- Section 12: Ecological Information (not enforced by OSHA)
- Section 13: Disposal Considerations (not enforced by OSHA)
- Section 14: Transport Information (not enforced by OSHA)
- Section 15: Regulatory Information (not enforced by OSHA)
- Section 16: Other Information (This section indicates when the SDS was prepared or when the last known revision was made.)
Employers must ensure that the SDS are readily accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals in their workplace. This is done in a variety of ways. For example, employers may keep the SDS in a binder or on computers as long as employees have immediate access to the information without leaving their work area when needed, with a backup available if the electronic system fails. Employers may also want to designate a person responsible for obtaining and maintaining the SDS.
HazCom 2024 Update: Compliance Dates
In May 2024, OSHA updated the HCS to align with Revision 7 of the GHS. A follow-up rule published January 15, 2026 extended each compliance date by four months. Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors of substances must comply by May 19, 2026, and employers using those substances must update workplace labels, their written hazard communication program, and employee training by November 20, 2026. For mixtures, the dates are November 19, 2027 for manufacturers, importers, and distributors and May 19, 2028 for employers. Until those dates, the 2012 version of the HCS, the 2024 version, or both may be followed.
Training Employees on Labels, Pictograms, and SDSs
Employers must train employees on the hazards of chemicals in their work area, including label elements such as the nine GHS pictograms and how to read and use SDSs (1910.1200(h)). Our Safety Data Sheet binders support this because the binder is printed with the GHS pictograms and SDS requirements on the inside, allowing easy reference for any employee accessing SDS records. For the training itself, National Safety Compliance offers the Hazard Communication Safety Training Video & Program, along with focused HazCom: Chemical Labels and HazCom: Safety Data Sheets training programs, each in English and Spanish.
For a deeper look at training requirements under the standard, see our Hazard Communication Right to Know Training: Complete OSHA Compliance Guide, and for the employer’s side of the program, read Hazard Communication Compliance: A Business Guide to OSHA’s Right to Know.
Related: HazCom and chemical safety training