What should always be available for all employees when handling hazardous materials?

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are critical documents that provide detailed information about hazardous materials. They contain essential data including the physical and chemical properties of substances, health hazards, protective measures, and safety precautions for handling, storing, and disposing of these materials.

Having SDSs readily available to all employees ensures that they are well-informed about the hazards associated with the materials they may encounter. This information is vital for making informed decisions about safety practices, emergency responses, and proper storage conditions. In the event of an accident or exposure, knowing the specific hazards allows employees to take immediate and appropriate action to protect themselves and others.

While emergency contacts, labels, and historical incident lists are also important, they do not provide the comprehensive understanding needed to safely handle hazardous materials in the same way that SDSs do. Labels offer quick reference information, but they may not cover all safety protocols or emergency measures required for specific situations. Emergency contacts are essential for crisis management, and previous incidents provide context for potential risks but do not substitute the detailed safety and handling information found in SDSs. Thus, making SDSs accessible to employees is crucial to workplace safety and compliance with regulations concerning hazardous materials.