Safety Data Sheets provide essential information about the hazards of chemical products used in public works such as fuels, oils, paints, solvents, pesticides, cleaners, and deicers. Understanding how to read an SDS helps workers know the risks, required PPE, safe handling instructions, and emergency procedures. This training ensures that all crew members can find, understand, and apply SDS information to stay safe on the job.
By the end of this training, workers should be able to:
Identify the purpose of Safety Data Sheets.
Locate SDS documents within the department.
Understand the 16 section SDS format.
Find critical information such as first aid, PPE, storage, and spill response.
Apply SDS guidance during daily operations and emergencies.
Recognize when to request an updated SDS or report missing documents.
Hard copy or digital SDS binder for the department.
Sample SDS documents for demonstration.
Chemical containers used by the crew.
Poster or printout of the 16 SDS sections.
PPE examples such as gloves, goggles, or respirators.
"Good morning everyone. Today we are going to talk about Safety Data Sheets, often called SDS. These documents explain the hazards of the chemicals you use and the steps you must follow to stay safe. Every chemical on site must have an SDS, and it is your right to access this information at any time. We will walk through what the SDS looks like, where you can find it, and how to use it while handling chemicals or responding to spills or exposures."
Skin and eye burns from corrosive products.
Respiratory irritation or long term health effects.
Fire and explosion risks from flammable chemicals.
Toxic effects from inhalation, ingestion, or absorption.
Incorrect or unsafe responses during spills or exposures due to a lack of SDS knowledge.
Always review the SDS before using an unfamiliar chemical.
Check the recommended PPE in Section 8 of the SDS.
Follow the handling and storage requirements in Section 7.
Use chemicals only in well ventilated areas as directed in Section 9.
Know the first aid steps in Section 4 before beginning work.
Keep incompatible chemicals separated as indicated in Section 10.
Store SDS documents where workers can access them easily.
Report missing or outdated SDS documents immediately.
Never handle chemicals if you cannot find an SDS for them.
Show crew members where SDS documents are kept in the facility or digital system.
Walk through each section of a sample SDS, emphasizing sections on hazards, first aid, PPE, storage, and spill response.
Hold up a chemical container and ask workers to match label information with SDS details.
Demonstrate how to look up SDS information quickly during an emergency scenario.
Have each worker find an SDS for a chemical they use regularly and identify three key hazards.
Ask crew members to locate the first aid procedures for a selected product.
Provide two or three SDS documents and ask the crew to compare PPE requirements.
Present a mock spill scenario and have workers determine the proper response using the SDS.
How often do you check SDS information before using a chemical?
Which SDS sections do you rely on the most?
What would you do if you could not find an SDS for a product in your work area?
Why is it important to know first aid steps before using a chemical?
Insert your agency specific procedures for SDS management, digital or binder storage, labeling, spill reporting, and chemical approval processes.
Chemical resistant gloves appropriate to the product.
Goggles or splash rated safety glasses.
Protective clothing such as aprons when required.
Respirators when specified by the SDS and under a compliant respiratory protection program.
Safety footwear that protects against spills or dropped containers.
Every chemical must have a Safety Data Sheet available to workers.
SDS documents contain detailed hazard, first aid, storage, and PPE information.
Reviewing the SDS before using a chemical prevents exposures and injuries.
SDS documents must be accessible, organized, and up to date.
Workers should immediately report missing or outdated SDS information.
How many sections are in a standard SDS?
a. 8
b. 10
c. 16
Where can PPE requirements be found on an SDS?
a. Section 8
b. Section 3
c. Section 12
What should you do if you cannot find an SDS for a chemical you need to use?
a. Use it anyway
b. Ask a coworker about it
c. Report it and do not use the product until the SDS is available
Name one type of information found in Section 4 of an SDS.
What is the purpose of an SDS?
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.