Safety Data Sheets and Testing for Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace

Millions of men and women work in occupations that involve the production, use, sale or transportation of potentially hazardous chemicals. There is a broad spectrum of dangers associated with coming in contact with these chemicals and are based on a number of factors, including the chemical type, route and duration of exposure, and the individual.

To help communicate information about the hazards of chemical products, the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)) was revised in 2012 to require that chemical manufacturers, distributors or importers provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety Data Sheets). Employers must ensure that the SDSs are readily accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace. This may be done in several ways, for example, employers may keep the SDSs in a binder or on computers as long as the employees have immediate access to the information without leaving their work area when needed and a back-up is available for rapid access to the SDS in the case of a power outage or other emergency.

“While Safety Data Sheets can provide valuable information if they are kept up to date and actually represent the chemicals in the workplace, they may not always accurately represent what workers are truly being exposed to through inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “That answer can be derived through industrial hygiene and environmental testing. At EMSL, our laboratories throughout the United States and Canada offer testing for everything from lead, asbestos and hexavalent chromium to pesticides, PCBs, volatile organic compounds and hundreds of other chemicals and substances that could be a threat to workers. We also provide all of the sampling supplies necessary and carry a full line of air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment.”

EMSL has even sponsored an online video about Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/EC-V2LBFhnk.

To learn more about this or other occupational, environmental, indoor air quality, health and safety testing services or for to access air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment (PPE), please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail