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The Daily Insight

What requires a SDS sheet

Author

Victoria Simmons

Published Feb 15, 2026

What products require an SDS? Any product that is considered a hazardous chemical requires a safety data sheet. A hazardous chemical, as defined by the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), is any chemical which can cause a physical or a health hazard.

Does every product need a SDS?

In other words, every product that is classified as a “hazardous product” under WHMIS that is intended for use, handling or storage in a workplace in Canada must have an SDS. The information elements provided on a safety data sheet must be in both official languages of Canada (English and French).

Where are SDS required?

SDSs must be stored in a location that all staff can access during work hours (not behind a locked door or on a password-protected device to which they do not have the password). SDSs must be stored in the work area (not far away or in another building).

Why are SDS sheets necessary?

Safety Data Sheets are an important tool for understanding chemical hazards at the worksite and how they could affect your workers, your property, and the environment. … Precautionary statements which outline how to avoid exposure through safe work practices, PPE, and proper storage.

Who must read SDS?

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), revised in 2012, requires that the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety Data Sheets) for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information on these hazards.

What products are exempt from SDS?

  • Exempt: Cosmetics.
  • Exempt: Drugs and Pharmaceuticals.
  • Exempt: Hazardous Wastes and Remediation.
  • Exempt: Tobacco and tobacco product.
  • Exempt: Wood and lumber.
  • Exempt: Consumer Products.
  • Exempt: Nuisance Particulates and Dusts.

How do you know if a chemical is required to have an SDS?

The pictogram on the label is determined by the chemical hazard classification. The simple fact to keep in mind is that if it is a hazardous chemical or product, a safety data sheet will be required. If it is a manufactured product, the odds of an SDS existing may be slim.

Which 3 types of products are excluded from Labelling and SDS requirements?

  • 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.

Is Whmis only required in Ontario?

Ontario’s WHMIS legislation applies to all workplaces covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act , with the exception of farms.

When would I use a SDS?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that provides health and safety information about products, substances or chemicals that are classified as hazardous substances or dangerous goods. If you buy one of these products, it should come with an SDS.

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How long must you keep SDS sheets?

OSHA standard, 29 CFR 1910.1020, Access to employee Exposure and Medical Records defines “employee exposure records” to include material safety data sheets. The standard requires all employee exposure records to be maintained for at least 30 years.

Are SDS required by law?

The Hazard Communication Regulation (Cal/OSHA, section 5194; Federal OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200) requires that the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide safety data sheets (SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or material safety data sheets) for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information on …

Which drug category requires an SDS?

Biological hazards are exempt but if the material also possesses a physical or health hazard, then an SDS is required. Examples of biohazards include microbes, anthrax, vaccines, and cell cultures.

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.

What are 3 thing required on a workplace label?

In general, a workplace label will require the following information: Product name (matching the SDS product name). Safe handling precautions, may include pictograms or other supplier label information. A reference to the SDS (if available).

Do photocopy ink and toner have safety data sheets?

Office supplies such as photocopier toner and whiteboard cleaner in normal consumer quantities are not considered hazardous and do not require a WHMIS 2015 program. … Prepare workplace labels and SDS (as necessary) and ensure that hazardous products are properly labelled.

Do SDS sheets expire?

OSHA requires manufacturers/importers to obtain or develop safety data sheets (SDS). … The SDS must accompany the first shipment of chemicals. Any updated SDS should be sent within three months of any new and significant information regarding the given hazardous chemical. So, yes, safety data sheets do expire.

What is not required on a chemical label?

A square red frame set at a point without a hazard symbol is not a pictogram and should not be displayed on the label. The hazard statement should include the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, including the degree of the hazard, where appropriate.

Can SDS sheets be electronic?

The short answer to the question is yes; however, there are conditions that must be met. The first and most important requirement from OSHA for workplace SDS compliance is that your electronic SDS availability and accessibility is included in your organization’s Hazard Communication Plan.

Who is SDS not intended for?

SDS’s are not meant for consumers. An SDS reflects the hazards of working with the material in an occupational fashion. For example, an SDS for paint is not highly pertinent to someone who uses a can of paint once a year, but is extremely important to someone who uses that paint 40 hours a week.

Do SDS sheets need to be printed?

OSHA mandates that SDS must be provided to employees working with hazardous materials. OSHA does not tell us how to provide SDS to employees, so you can print a book or provide them digitally, as long as the employee has access throughout the workday, and each employee has been provided training on how to access them.

Do you need SDS for first aid kits?

Products used in our First Aid cabinets (OTCs) are exempt from SDS sheets under the same OSHA regulation 1910-1200, Section (b) (6) (vii). … The exemption eliminates the need for the SDS.

Are SDS required for medical devices?

Medical devices are exempt – [see 29 CFR 1910.1200(c)]. Specifically, medical devices are considered to be “articles” as defined by the HCS, therefore not requiring an SDS.

How many SDS are required at your workplace?

All employees must be trained that you are using one SDS as representative of all vendors (so there isn’t confusion during an emergency). The SDS must be complete and accurate. The manufacturer listed on the SDS is willing to act as the responsible party in the event of an emergency.

Is WHMIS required every year?

How often do I need WHMIS training? Every company must review their WHMIS program at least annually or more frequently if required by a change in work conditions or available hazard information. Reviewing your program determines if your employees are still adequately trained and knowledgeable.

Is GHS a law?

GHS is a ‘non-binding’ system of hazard communication. Only the elements of GHS that have been explicitly adopted by Canadian legislation are enforceable. See the OSH Answers documents on WHMIS 2015 for a summary of how GHS was implemented in Canada.

Do SDS expire in Canada?

It is desirable but not mandatory for suppliers to provide updated SDS for products sold prior to that timeframe. However, in work places that are subject to the Canada Labour Code, the SDS must be reviewed and updated at least every 3 years.

Are SDS required for Consumer Products Canada?

In Canada, any controlled product that’s packaged as a consumer product and in quantities normally used by the public is generally exempt from WHMIS 2015 supplier label and SDS requirements.

What are the SDS sections?

  • 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.

What do SDS stand for?

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.

Is SDS required for non hazardous chemicals?

For non-hazardous chemicals, OSHA does not require employers to maintain SDSs. A chemical is considered as non-hazardous only if the chemical is not classified as a health hazard, an environmental hazard, or a physical hazard.