How to Read a Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Complete OSHA HazCom Training

This training video explains how to read a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and covers every requirement of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200, including GHS pictograms, signal words, and the 16-section SDS format. The video walks through each of the 16 standardized SDS sections in order, from product identification and hazard classification through toxicological data, disposal, transport, and regulatory information, explaining what each section contains and why it matters for workplace safety. It also covers the 2024 OSHA final rule aligning the Hazard Communication Standard with GHS Revision 7, along with the updated compliance deadlines OSHA issued in January 2026. A step-by-step chemical spill scenario demonstrates how to apply SDS information in a real workplace situation, and periodic knowledge checks reinforce key concepts throughout. What's covered in this video: An introduction explaining what an SDS is and why OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200, legally requires a standardized 16-section format. A breakdown of the 2024 GHS Revision 7 update and the OSHA-extended compliance deadlines announced in January 2026 for substances and mixtures. Section 1 (Identification), covering product names, manufacturer contact details, and emergency phone numbers found on every SDS. Section 2 (Hazard Identification), covering the eight GHS pictograms OSHA requires, signal words such as Danger and Warning, and the acute toxicity symbol. Section 3 (Composition and Ingredients) and Section 4 (First-Aid Measures), covering chemical concentration disclosures and emergency response steps for skin, eye, inhalation, and ingestion exposure. Section 5 (Fire-Fighting Measures) and Section 6 (Accidental Release Measures), covering correct extinguishing methods and spill containment procedures. Section 7 (Handling and Storage) and Section 8 (Exposure Controls and PPE), covering ventilation requirements, chemical segregation, and required respirators, gloves, and eyewear. Section 9 (Physical and Chemical Properties) and Section 10 (Stability and Reactivity), covering boiling point, flash point, pH, and dangerous chemical combinations. Section 11 (Toxicological Information) and Section 12 (Ecological Information), covering health exposure routes and environmental impact on water, soil, and wildlife. Section 13 (Disposal Considerations), Section 14 (Transport Information), and Section 15 (Regulatory Information), covering hazardous waste disposal, UN shipping classifications, and applicable OSHA, EPA, and DOT regulations. Section 16 (Other Information), covering why checking the SDS revision date is critical for identifying outdated hazard data. A practical four-step chemical spill scenario demonstrating how to identify a chemical, check its hazards, confirm required PPE, and follow containment procedures in the correct order. A summary of employer responsibilities under OSHA, including keeping SDSs accessible during every work shift and providing updated training when new hazard information is issued. A final interactive challenge using a sample SDS excerpt to practice identifying the signal word, required PPE, and revision date. Mentioned in this video: Safety Data Sheet, SDS, OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Hazard Communication Standard, HazCom, 29 CFR 1910.1200, GHS, Globally Harmonized System, GHS Revision 7, EPA, DOT, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, acute toxicity pictogram, skull and crossbones pictogram, flame pictogram, corrosion pictogram, exploding bomb pictogram, gas cylinder pictogram, health hazard pictogram, exclamation mark pictogram, environment pictogram, signal word Danger, signal word Warning, PEL, permissible exposure limit, TLV, threshold limit value, first aid measures, fire-fighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure controls, personal protective equipment, PPE, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, ecological information, disposal considerations, transport information, regulatory information, revision date, chemical spill response, UN number, respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles