What is the purpose of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in hazard communication?

• A. Schedule maintenance.
• B. Provide safety information on hazards, handling, and first-aid measures.
• C. Determine emission standards.
• D. List production costs.

Answer: (B)

Safety Data Sheets are essential for hazard communication because they convey critical information about a chemical’s hazards and how to work with it safely. An SDS lays out the hazards (health effects, flammability, reactivity), the recommended safe handling and storage practices, and the required protective measures such as ventilation or personal protective equipment. It also provides practical guidance on what to do in case of exposure, spills, or fires, and includes first-aid measures and emergency procedures. This structured, standardized information helps workers and supervisors quickly understand risks and implement appropriate controls, which is the core purpose of communicating hazards. The other options don’t fit this role: scheduling maintenance is about upkeep, emission standards concern environmental regulation rather than worker safety information, and production costs are unrelated to hazard communication.