Who is responsible for providing employers with copies of the SDS with their initial shipment?

The responsibility for providing employers with copies of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) lies with chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors. This requirement is established under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). When a chemical is first shipped, the manufacturer or importer must ensure that the receiving employer has access to the SDS. This document contains crucial information about the chemical's hazards, handling, storage, and emergency measures, which employers are obligated to communicate to their employees.

The expectation for manufacturers, importers, and distributors to provide the SDS ensures that workplaces have the necessary safety information prior to the arrival of the materials, promoting a safer work environment. This proactive communication is essential for proper risk management and employee safety training.