The Hazard Communication Standard Revision of 2012 required manufacturers of hazardous chemicals to reformat all safety data sheets to a standardized 16-section format. This process was to have been completed by June 1, 2015.
The compliance date for employers to obtain the newly formatted safety data sheets was June 1, 2016. If your practice has not already collected the new safety data sheets, you should begin requesting/searching for them now. We recommend searching for safety data sheets online, as many manufacturers will post them on their website. If safety data sheets cannot be found online, you may request a copy from the manufacturer by letter. Retain a copy of the letter to demonstrate your effort to comply with the requirement.
When revised safety data sheets are obtained, you may discard the original material safety data sheets, as long as the hazardous ingredients have not changed.
