Who usually prepares the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of a hazardous substance?

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a crucial document that provides detailed information about a hazardous substance, including its properties, hazards, handling, and emergency measures. The responsibility for preparing the SDS typically falls to the manufacturer or distributor of the hazardous substance. This is because the manufacturer possesses in-depth knowledge of the chemical composition, potential hazards, and safe handling procedures of the product they create or distribute.

Manufacturers are required to adhere to specific regulations that outline the necessary information and format for the SDS, ensuring that it is compliant with standards such as those established by OSHA in the United States. By providing accurate and comprehensive information, manufacturers help ensure that users can safely handle, store, and respond to emergencies involving the hazardous substance. This makes it critical for them to prepare the SDS, as they have direct control over the product’s formulation and safety data.

While other entities, such as government agencies, end-users, or environmental consultants, play significant roles in safety regulation and data interpretation, it is the producer of the substance who has the primary responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the Safety Data Sheet.