Which organization mandates the use of Material Safety Data Sheets?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates the use of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which are crucial documents that provide information about the characteristics of hazardous materials. The primary purpose of these sheets is to ensure that employees have access to detailed information regarding the safe handling, use, and emergency responses associated with hazardous substances they may encounter in their workplace, including pharmacies.

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires employers to maintain MSDS for chemicals in use, ensuring that employees are aware of the risks and safety measures related to those materials. By enforcing the use of MSDS, OSHA aims to promote workplace safety and health by ensuring that workers are fully informed about the substances they may come into contact with.

Other organizations, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), also contribute to health and safety matters but do not specifically mandate the use of MSDS in the way OSHA does.