2-5. A Thorough Procedure for Managing Chemical Substance SDS (Safety Data Sheets)

In workplaces that handle chemical substances, proper management of SDSs (Safety Data Sheets) is essential for both ensuring worker safety and complying with laws and regulations. SDSs are documents that summarize information such as the hazards of chemical substances, handling methods, and emergency measures, and are required to be issued, obtained, and managed under the Industrial Safety and Health Act and the Chemical Substances Control Act. However, delays in updating information and insufficient awareness at work sites often lead to accidents and violations. Below, we will outline the procedures for thorough SDS management.

The first step is obtaining and preparing SDSs. When purchasing new chemical substances, it is necessary to obtain the latest SDS from the supplier and keep it on hand at the workplace. For imported products, it is essential to prepare a Japanese version of the SDS. In addition, for substances already in use, the content is updated in accordance with legal amendments and revisions to GHS classifications, so a system must be established to regularly check with suppliers and update to the latest version.

Second, ensure the storage and accessibility of SDSs. SDSs can be managed either in paper format or electronic format, but it is important to store them in an easily accessible location so that on-site workers can refer to them immediately in an emergency. Even if you manage them electronically, it is recommended that you keep paper backups for important substances in case of network failure.

Third, it is important to disseminate and educate workers about SDS information. Simply providing documents is not enough; workers must be educated and trained to understand its contents and handle it safely. In particular, information such as "first aid measures," "types of protective equipment," and "storage conditions" requires immediate judgment on-site, and should be checked regularly.

Fourth, it should be linked to risk assessment. It is essential to evaluate the risks of the work in question based on the hazard information listed in the SDS and take appropriate measures (such as local exhaust ventilation, ventilation, and the use of protective equipment). In addition, by aligning it with emergency response manuals and waste disposal procedures, consistency in safety management can be improved.

Finally, inspection and improvement of management status is important. It is important to regularly check the management status of SDSs through occupational safety and health committees and internal audits to ensure that updates and insufficient awareness have been made. Many violations are due to "leaving outdated SDSs," "insufficient awareness," and "failure to communicate information to outsourced parties," and to prevent these from happening, it is necessary to implement the PDCA cycle.

SDS management is not just document storage, but a practical system for controlling chemical risks. Through thorough management and education, it can improve workplace safety.