The Evolution of Chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS): What’s Next?

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) has long been a cornerstone of chemical safety, providing critical information on the hazards, safe handling, and disposal of chemicals. Since the introduction of SDS under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), it has become an essential tool for industries managing hazardous substances. However, with advances in technology, increasing regulatory demands, and the push for more efficient safety management, the SDS is evolving. In this article, we will explore the future of SDS management, including innovations in automation, digitalization, and how these changes will shape the future of chemical safety.

SDSs provide detailed information about chemical products, including their composition, potential hazards, safe handling procedures, and emergency response measures. They serve multiple purposes, from informing workers about safe usage to ensuring that companies comply with chemical safety regulations. In many industries, the SDS is legally required, and failure to maintain accurate and up-to-date SDSs can result in significant penalties.

However, the traditional model of SDS management has its limitations. Paper-based SDSs can become outdated, and even digital versions require regular updates to remain compliant with regulatory changes. Additionally, manually managing hundreds or thousands of SDSs across global operations can be time-consuming and error-prone.