What is the role of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?

The role of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), now commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheet (SDS), is to provide comprehensive information about the hazards associated with chemicals, including details on their properties, safe handling practices, emergency measures, and proper storage. This valuable resource is essential for ensuring that employees and emergency responders are aware of the potential risks involved with exposure to specific substances.

The information contained in an MSDS prominently includes data on toxicology, environmental impacts, proper first aid measures, and precautions for safe use. This enables workers to understand the materials they are working with and equips them with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves and others in the workplace.

While it might also play a role in fulfilling OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations, as these regulations require employers to provide access to such information, the primary and distinct purpose of the MSDS is centered around hazard communication and safety practices concerning chemicals. Other choices do contain related ideas but do not capture the main function as effectively as option B.