SDS Compliance for Cleaning Professionals: How Hillyard Simplifies the Process
Navigating Safety Data Sheet (SDS) compliance is a critical responsibility for cleaning professionals. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard requires adherence to specific guidelines for the safe handling, storage, and use of hazardous chemicals.
While these requirements can be complex, Hillyard is dedicated to supporting you with the tools and resources needed to maintain compliance. In this article, we’ll explain what an SDS is, detail employer responsibilities, and demonstrate how Hillyard simplifies SDS access.
What is an SDS?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that provides critical information about hazardous chemicals to promote safe handling and compliance. SDSs are standardized into a 16-section format, each offering specific details about the chemical. Below is a breakdown of the sections, along with a brief description of what each contains:
- Identification: This section identifies the product, including its name, synonyms, recommended uses, and restrictions. It also provides contact details for the manufacturer or distributor, ensuring quick access to assistance.
- Hazard(s) Identification: Highlights the product’s potential hazards, such as health and environmental risks. Includes hazard classifications, signal words, precautionary statements, and visual hazard symbols (pictograms).
- Composition/Information on Ingredients: Lists the chemical components, including names, concentrations, and any stabilizing additives. For mixtures, it specifies the concentration of hazardous ingredients and notes if any information is withheld as a trade secret.
- First-Aid Measures: Details the immediate actions to take if someone is exposed to the product through ingestion, inhalation, or skin/eye contact. Describes symptoms of exposure and advises when medical attention is necessary.
- Fire-Fighting Measures: Provides guidance on fighting fires involving the product, including suitable extinguishing agents and unsafe methods. Lists potential hazardous combustion products and protective equipment for firefighters.
- Accidental Release Measures: Advises on containing and cleaning up spills to minimize risks to people and the environment. Includes recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) and methods for neutralization and decontamination.
- Handling and Storage: Describes safe practices for handling and storing the product, including guidance on incompatible materials and environmental conditions to avoid. Recommends hygiene practices, such as prohibiting food and drink in work areas.
- Exposure Controls/Personal Protection: Covers permissible exposure limits, engineering controls, and PPE to protect workers. Includes details on appropriate respiratory protection, gloves, and other safety measures.
- Physical and Chemical Properties: Lists the product’s characteristics, such as appearance, boiling point, solubility, and flammability. This information is crucial for identifying and understanding the substance’s behavior in various conditions.
- Stability and Reactivity: Explains the product’s stability under normal and adverse conditions. Discusses reactivity, incompatible materials, and potential hazardous reactions or decomposition products.
- Toxicological Information: Details health risks, including symptoms of exposure and long-term effects. Provides toxicological data, such as the estimated lethal dose (LD50) and information about carcinogenic potential.
- Ecological Information (Non-Mandatory): Assesses the product’s environmental impact, including its toxicity to aquatic life, potential for bioaccumulation, and degradation in the environment. This section helps evaluate risks to ecosystems.
- Disposal Considerations (Non-Mandatory): Offers guidance on safe disposal of the product and its containers. Recommends methods to minimize environmental contamination and directs users to consult local regulations.
- Transport Information (Non-Mandatory): Provides information for safely transporting the product, such as classification, packaging requirements, and applicable transport regulations.
- Regulatory Information (Non-Mandatory): Lists specific regulations applicable to the product. Includes references to OSHA standards, EPA requirements, and other agency guidelines.
- Other Information: Indicates the preparation or revision date of the SDS and highlights any changes made to previous versions. May include additional details about the product or contact information for further inquiries.
Employer Responsibilities for SDS Compliance
Employers are required to ensure that SDSs are readily accessible for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Here’s what employers must do to remain compliant:
- Maintain Accessibility: SDSs can be stored electronically or in physical binders but must be available to employees without delay. Backup systems are essential for emergencies like power outages.
- Designate Responsibility: Assign a person or team to obtain, update, and manage SDS records.
- Stay Proactive: Reach out to manufacturers for any missing or outdated SDSs and ensure that employees are trained to access and understand these documents.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, employers not only comply with OSHA regulations but also create a safer environment for their team.
How to Find SDS Sheets on Hillyard.com
Hillyard offers three easy ways to locate SDSs for its products:
Navigation Menu:
Hover over the "Resources" link on the navigation menu and select "Safety Data Sheets" to go to the search page.
Documents and Resources Section:
Navigate to the product’s page in our eCommerce store and find the SDS under the “Documents and Resources” section. This method is quick and ensures you have product-specific information at your fingertips.
SDS Search Page:
Click the “SDS/Ingredients” link in the upper right corner of any page on Hillyard.com. From there, use the search function to find SDSs by product name or number.
These tools make accessing critical safety information simple and efficient.
Additional Support from Hillyard
Need more help? Hillyard’s Technical Service team is here for you. Whether you have questions about a specific SDS, require compliance guidance, or need assistance with a Hillyard product, our experts are just a call away.
By understanding SDS requirements and leveraging Hillyard's resources, cleaning professionals can confidently maintain compliance and prioritize workplace safety. Let Hillyard help you simplify SDS management and achieve operational excellence.