What is the primary purpose of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?

The primary purpose of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is to adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, which mandate that information about hazardous chemicals be readily available to workers. SDSs contain comprehensive information about the properties of each chemical, including hazards, handling precautions, safety measures, and emergency procedures. This is essential in ensuring workplace safety by helping employees understand the risks associated with chemicals they may encounter and how to protect themselves effectively.

By complying with OSHA regulations, organizations fulfill legal obligations while promoting a safe working environment, which is critical in industries where employees may be exposed to hazardous materials. The other options, while relevant in certain contexts, do not capture the core function of SDSs. For instance, providing recipes relates to culinary practices, labeling product origins pertains to food traceability, and managing inventory is focused on stock levels rather than safety or hazard communication. The SDS serves as a vital tool specifically designed to communicate safety information effectively.