All Points Medical Waste Blog
What is a Safety Data Sheet?
Why is it Important for Worker Safety?
As a healthcare organization you are responsible for the safety of your staff as well as those who visit your facility. OSHA mandates that all employees are aware of any hazardous chemicals used and stored onsite that they may be exposed to—this is the function of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
What Exactly is a Safety Data Sheet?
The SDS is required by OSHA to ensure that all employees at your facility know and understand the dangers of hazardous chemicals at your workplace. The SDS includes comprehensive information about the chemicals including:
- Properties of the chemical
- Health hazards
- Physical hazards
- Environmental hazards
- Protective measures against exposure
- Safety precautions to be taken
- First aid procedures in the event of exposure
- Procedures to follow in the event accidental spills, leaks, etc.
- Information about flammability and other dangers
- Proper handling, storing and transporting processes
Where Should Safety Data Sheets Be Stored?
The key factor with SDS is that all employees have access to the sheet and the information contained within it. Many companies have created a digital copy that is stored on the facilities network while others maintain the list within a binder or posted on a wall in a common area. The most important thing is that all employees are aware of where the sheet is stored and that they understand the hazards of the chemicals used onsite at your workplace.
Do Employees Need SDS Training?
All staff members should know and understand the Safety Data Sheet and its importance and the role it plays in safety procedures at your medical facility. New hires who are training on medical waste procedures and the hazards of chemicals onsite should receive SDS training along with any and all OSHA requirement training.
Keeping your team members safe and protecting the environment and the community from the dangers of hazardous chemicals is an important responsibility and critical to your organization remaining compliant with state and federal agencies. Be sure to follow the guidelines on the Safety Data Sheet and that all employees have access to it.
All Points Medical Waste is a full service medical waste disposal service located in Stuart, Florida. We’re committed to helping you keep your healthcare facility compliant and your staff safe. Our service extends from Okeechobee County through the Treasure Coast and down to Broward County, give us a call today or fill out this form to learn more.