What is the purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) according to OSHA?

The purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), now commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), is fundamentally to provide essential information regarding the health and safety data of chemicals used in the workplace. These documents are critical for ensuring that workers understand the potential hazards associated with the substances they may encounter and how to handle them safely.

MSDS contain details about a variety of aspects including chemical properties, health effects, protective measures, and emergency procedures. By providing this information, MSDS empower employees to make informed decisions about the materials they work with and to adopt appropriate safety practices. This also aids employers in complying with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations aimed at protecting worker health and safety.

The other options, while they might be relevant in different contexts, do not accurately capture the primary function of MSDS. For instance, workplace injury forms relate to reporting incidents but do not provide chemical-specific hazard information. Similarly, enforcing uniform work practices is a broader management responsibility and does not specifically relate to the informational aspect of MSDS. Lastly, while protecting employers from liability is a consideration in workplace safety, it is not the primary purpose of MSDS; rather, these sheets are intended to prioritize the safety and knowledge of workers.