What is the function of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?

The function of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), now commonly referred to as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), is to provide detailed information about the hazards associated with materials and chemicals used in the workplace. This includes essential data regarding the chemical properties of substances, potential health effects, and necessary safety precautions. The MSDS is a critical resource for ensuring the safety of employees by informing them about how to properly handle, store, and respond to emergencies involving hazardous materials.

By detailing emergency procedures, first aid measures, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), the MSDS plays a pivotal role in risk management and workplace safety. Understanding this information is vital for compliance with OSHA regulations, which mandate that workers have access to such documentation for the hazardous materials they may encounter on the job.

In contrast, other options do not align with the purpose of an MSDS. Tracking employee performance or recommending sales strategies are unrelated to safety and health; similarly, an MSDS is not intended to replace safety training, but rather to complement it by providing specific information about materials that employees must be trained to understand and safely manage.