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What Is an SDS?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a mandatory, 16-section document required for every hazardous chemical used or stored onsite. The SDS replaces the old MSDS format and complies with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200.
| Section # | Title | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identification | Confirms product name, manufacturer contact, and use |
| 2 | Hazard(s) Identification | Includes GHS classification, pictograms, and signal words |
| 3 | Composition | Lists exact ingredients and CAS numbers |
| 4 | First-Aid Measures | Field-level instructions for inhalation, skin, or eye exposure |
| 5 | Fire-Fighting Measures | Extinguishing methods and burn risks |
| 6 | Accidental Release | Spill containment and cleanup PPE |
| 7 | Handling and Storage | Detailed temp/humidity/ventilation info |
| 8 | Exposure Controls | PELs, TLVs, recommended PPE (respirators, gloves) |
| 9–16 | Technical, toxicological, regulatory, transport, and disposal info |
If you're storing or using any material that has a GHS label or hazard pictogram, it MUST be paired with an SDS onsite and available to employees.
What SDS Compliance Actually Looks Like on a Jobsite
You don’t just need SDS - you need to prove access, train usage, and match the exact products in use. Here’s what that means step-by-step.
You Must:
- Have an SDS on file for each hazardous product onsite
- Store SDS in a way that’s accessible to workers during every shift
- Ensure SDS matches the exact product name/SKU/manufacturer
- Train every worker on how to locate and read SDSs
- Update SDSs when you switch products or introduce new chemicals
Real Penalties:
- OSHA 1910.1200(h): Up to $16,000 per violation per day for non-compliance
- Re-inspections often include mandatory document review
- Missing SDS = assumption of untrained workforce and improper chemical handling = fines and shutdowns
SDS Storage Options—What Works, What Fails
| Storage Type | Pros | Pitfalls |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Binder (in trailer or gang box) | Easy to show inspector | Needs to be updated frequently; can get lost/damaged |
| Shared Digital Folder (e.g. Google Drive) | Easy to update, access from any device | Requires digital access onsite—must post QR or link |
| SDS Management Software (e.g. SiteDocs, KPA, Safesite) | Full audit trail, alerts for expired SDS | May require licenses and user training |
Pro Tip: Keep a printed master SDS binder in the trailer, but also post a QR code linking to your SDS drive near the safety board or sign-in area.
Products That REQUIRE SDS
| Category | Examples | SDS Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Spray Paints / Coatings | Fluorescent marking paint, inverted chalk | ✅ YES |
| Curing / Form Release Oils | Cure & seal, petroleum- or water-based forms | ✅ YES |
| Concrete Repair Products | Hydraulic cement, crack filler, sealants | ✅ YES |
| Absorbents / Cleaners | Oil dry, hand degreasers, surface cleaners | ✅ YES |
| Fuel / Batteries | Propane, diesel, lithium-ion, SLA batteries | ✅ YES |
| Cutting / Lubricating Fluids | Blade coolant, tapping oil, pipe threading compounds | ✅ YES |
| Adhesives / Sealants | Caulks, epoxy, duct sealant | ✅ YES |
| Treated PPE / Equipment | Bug spray-treated vests, chemical-resistant gloves | ✅ YES |
| Standard PPE / Tools | Hard hats, gloves, cones, hand tools | ❌ NO unless treated |
SDS and Jobsite Inspections: The Real Situations
What OSHA/DEP Inspectors Look For:
- Open buckets of sealant or curing compound with no matching SDS
- Paint cans, degreasers, or adhesives stored without fire-rated cabinets or spill control
- Employees using aerosols or epoxy without gloves or ventilation—then no SDS showing required PPE
What Gets You Fined:
- Expired SDS documents
- SDS for wrong manufacturer or formulation
- Workers who can’t answer: “Where do you find SDSs?”
- No training log showing SDS/chemical handling instruction
How to Implement SDS on a Real Jobsite
Setup Guide:
- Create an SDS Master Folder (PDF or Binder)
- Divide by:
- Product Category (Paints, Sealants, Fuels)
- Manufacturer
- Jobsite Phase (Foundation, Exterior, Closeout)
- Label clearly and match product codes
- Train foremen and crew:
- How to read Section 2 (Hazards)
- Where the SDS folder/QR code is
- What PPE to wear based on Section 8
Keep SDS Up-to-Date with Jobsite Changes
Whenever you:
- Change brands (e.g. switching from Rust-Oleum to STREETDOG paint)
- Start a new jobsite
- Add a new vendor or purchase
You MUST update the SDS library. Old documents or mismatches are non-compliant - even if the material seems “similar.”