When should you perform a safety data sheet review?

Performing a safety data sheet (SDS) review before, during, and after handling chemicals is crucial for ensuring workplace safety and compliance with regulations. The safety data sheet provides essential information about hazardous materials, including their properties, hazards, handling and storage recommendations, and emergency measures. By reviewing the SDS at multiple stages in the process, workers can ensure they are informed about the risks associated with the chemicals they are using, how to manage these risks effectively, and what to do in case of an emergency.

Before handling chemicals, reviewing the SDS allows workers to familiarize themselves with the hazards and the necessary safety precautions. During the handling of chemicals, having ongoing access to this information ensures that workers can make informed decisions about safety measures in real-time, adapting to any new situations or risks they may encounter. After the handling phase, a review can reinforce lessons learned and identify areas for improvement in safety protocols or practices.

This comprehensive approach to reviewing SDS is essential for maintaining a culture of safety and mitigating risks associated with hazardous materials. Other approaches like reviewing the SDS only when starting a job or on an annual basis do not provide the proactive and continuous awareness needed for safe operations with chemicals.