Workshop Safety Data Sheets
Workshop Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a detailed document written by a chemical manufacturer for a specific hazardous chemical. Manufacturers, distributors, and importers are required to provide SDSs to downstream users.
SDSs contain critical safety and technical information structured into standard areas:
- Chemical and manufacturer identification
- Hazards and GHS classification
- Composition / ingredients
- Safe handling practices
- Emergency control measures
- Physical and chemical properties
- Stability and reactivity information
- Toxicological information
- Exposure controls and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Date of SDS preparation or last revision
All SDS information must be available in English (though versions in other languages may also be available).
MSDS vs. SDS: Is an older MSDS acceptable?
Yes. An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is simply an older format used before OSHA updated the Hazard Communication Standard to align with international standards in 2012.
Older chemicals in the workplace may have been phased out or replaced on the market. If a newer or generic SDS is unavailable for these legacy products, the original MSDS must remain on file until the chemical is completely out of circulation.
Does an SDS need to be in languages other than English?
No, but it is good practice. Neither OSHA nor the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) requires SDSs in languages other than English. However, your employer is required to communicate workplace hazards and safe work practices to you in a language you understand.
Where to Find an SDS for a Chemical
According to OSHA and DSPS regulations, SDSs must be accessible to all employees and their representatives upon request. If you travel across campus for work, SDSs may be located at your central shop, in an online system, or both.
Every FP&M workshop maintains two formats for chemical storage records:
1. Paper Binder
Physical SDS binders are kept in the workshop as an immediate backup.
2. Chemwatch (Digital)
Digital folders housed in the University of Wisconsin Chemwatch chemical management system.
Locating missing documents:
- Talk to your supervisor if you need help finding a physical SDS binder or document. EH&S provides physical copies for items missing readable records in Chemwatch.
- If a chemical lacks both a paper SDS/MSDS and a Chemwatch record, notify your supervisor.
- Your supervisor will contact EH&S at workplacesafety@fpm.wisc.edu. Please provide clear photos or a detailed description of the product label to assist with the request.
Updating SDS Binders and Chemwatch Folders
- When new chemicals are purchased or found without documentation, supervisors (or designated shop contacts) must email Workplace Safety at workplacesafety@fpm.wisc.edu to request an updated SDS.
- EH&S conducts an annual check-in with shop supervisors to ensure all binder and system records remain up to date.
Using Chemwatch to Search and Read SDSs
All UW employees with an active NetID can search, view, and print SDSs within the Chemwatch system.
Administrative actions (such as adding or removing folders and documents) are restricted to designated administrative roles. If you require advanced access rights, contact Chemical Safety at chemsafety@wisc.edu.
For more detailed Hazard Communication guidance, visit the EHS Hazard Communication Page.
Navigating Chemwatch
Step 1: Accessing Chemwatch via EHS Website
Step 2: Searching for an SDS
Step 3: Selecting a Chemical Record
Step 4: Saving and Printing
Note on "Gold" SDSs: "Gold" SDSs in Chemwatch serve as temporary placeholders while a vendor SDS is processed, or as generic SDSs synthesized from vendor parameters. Vendor-provided SDSs are always the primary authority for product details.