Who is responsible for providing safety data sheets?
The responsibility for providing Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
lies with the manufacturer, importer, or distributor of a hazardous chemical.
These entities are typically referred to as suppliers. Here's a breakdown of
the responsibilities:
- Manufacturers: Manufacturers of hazardous chemicals are responsible for developing SDSs for their products. They must ensure that the SDSs accurately and comprehensively describe the hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency response procedures related to their chemicals. Manufacturers should provide SDSs to downstream users, such as distributors and employers who purchase their products.
- Importers: Importers who bring hazardous chemicals into a country are also responsible for providing SDSs to downstream users. Importers may be required to translate the SDSs into the language(s) of the country where the chemicals are being imported, ensuring that the information is accessible to the users in that jurisdiction.
- Distributors: Distributors, who receive hazardous chemicals from manufacturers or importers and then distribute them further, have a responsibility to provide SDSs to their customers. Distributors should ensure that the SDSs they receive from manufacturers or importers are passed on to downstream users without alteration.
In summary, manufacturers, importers, and distributors are
collectively responsible for ensuring that SDSs are provided to downstream
users who handle or use hazardous chemicals. It is important for employers to
obtain SDSs from these suppliers to fulfill their obligations in providing a
safe work environment and effectively communicate the hazards associated with
the chemicals used in the workplace.
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