Chemical safety data sheets

• Pages: 18-22

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5. Chemical safety data sheets

5.1. General

5.1.1. The competent authority, or a body approved or recognised by the

competent authority, should establish criteria for the preparation of chemical safety data

sheets for hazardous chemicals (see paragraph 2.1.8 (d) (criteria for data sheets)).

Essential information should be included (see section 5.3 (Content)). Existing criteria

for preparing chemical safety data sheets (also called “material safety data sheets” or

“safety data sheets” in some countries) established by other competent authorities or

internationally recognised institutions may be followed, where they are consistent with

the provisions of this paragraph. This practice is encouraged where it may promote

uniformity of approach.

5.1.2. Suppliers should ensure that chemical safety data sheets for hazardous

chemicals are prepared, and are provided to employers as well as any revisions thereof

(see 2.4.6 (provision of data sheets)).

5.1.3. Workers and their representatives should have a right to chemical safety

data sheets and to receive information on them in forms or languages they easily

understand. Some of the information required in chemical safety data sheets might be

intended for specialists, and further clarification may be needed from the employer.

5.2. Provision of information

5.2.1. The supplier should provide an employer with essential information about

hazardous chemicals in the form of a chemical safety data sheet. The information

should be given in the official language of the country in which the employer is located

or in another language, agreed to in writing by the employer.

5.2.2. On the basis of the information in the chemical safety data sheet,

employers should check whether any national laws, standards or practices apply to the

chemical supplied, and should ensure compliance. Employers should add to the

information provided by the supplier, information of importance to their enterprise.

5.2.3. Employers should not use any hazardous chemicals until they have

obtained the appropriate information referred to in paragraph 5.3.2 (information in the

data sheets) and have given this information to the workers in a form and language that

they can easily understand. Verbal information may be appropriate in straightforward

cases, but further training will often be required, supported by written instructions on

methods of work, precautionary measures and action to be taken in the event of an

emergency.

5.2.4. Employers should make chemical safety data sheets for hazardous

chemicals available to workers and their representatives.