Who is responsible for creating Safety Data Sheets for products?

The responsibility for creating Safety Data Sheets (SDS) lies with the manufacturer of the product. Manufacturers must provide comprehensive, clear, and accessible information about their products, including the potential hazards associated with their use, safety precautions, and emergency response measures. This requirement is governed by regulations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard in the United States. By ensuring that users and responders have access to this vital information, manufacturers play a key role in promoting safe handling and mitigating risks associated with their products.

Government agencies may regulate the content and distribution of SDS, but they do not create them. Retailers may distribute SDS, but they typically rely on manufacturers to provide these documents. Similarly, the users of pesticides are responsible for understanding and following the information presented in SDS, but they are not the ones charged with creating them. This delineation of responsibilities is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance throughout the supply chain.