Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are required by which organization?

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), now commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This requirement stems from OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, which mandates that employers provide information about the hazardous chemicals present in the workplace.

The purpose of these sheets is to provide comprehensive information about a chemical's properties, health and safety hazards, protective measures, and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical. This ensures that workers are informed about the potential risks associated with the substances they may encounter and how to protect themselves effectively.

While other organizations such as the FDA, DEA, and EPA play critical roles in regulating various aspects of pharmaceuticals and environmental safety, the specific requirement for MSDS/SDS comes directly from OSHA's regulations aimed at maintaining workplace safety regarding chemical exposure.