What is a key responsibility of the manufacturer or distributor regarding hazardous substances?

Creating the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a fundamental responsibility of manufacturers or distributors regarding hazardous substances. The SDS is a critical document that provides detailed information about the properties of a substance, including its hazards, handling and storage requirements, emergency procedures, and first-aid measures. This document is essential for ensuring the safe use and handling of hazardous materials in workplaces, thereby helping to protect employees, emergency responders, and the environment.

In addition to being a legal requirement, the SDS is a key component of hazard communication regulations, ensuring that users of hazardous substances have access to vital safety information. This aligns with the overall goal of promoting safety in environments where such materials are present.

While annual safety training, writing emergency response plans, and monitoring environmental impacts are important aspects of workplace safety and environmental management, they do not fall under the primary responsibilities specifically mandated for manufacturers or distributors concerning hazardous substances. The creation of the SDS is explicitly required to support the safe handling of chemical products.