Final answer:
Employers should update their Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) immediately upon receiving new SDS information, although OSHA does not provide a specific timeframe. Manufacturers must revise SDS within three months of new hazard information, and downstream updates should follow promptly.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an employer receives new SDS information, it is critical for compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) that they update their Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) immediately. OSHA does not specify a certain number of months for an update, but encourages employers to act as quickly as possible. It is essential for employers to keep their SDSs up-to-date with the most current chemical hazard information.
It's important to note that when a chemical manufacturer or importer receives significant new information about the hazards of a chemical, they must revise the SDS within three months and provide the new version to downstream users. The downstream employer who receives this revised SDS is then responsible for updating their own records and ensuring that all employees have access to the updated information. Therefore, while not directly given a specific timeframe, employers should update their SDSs as soon as the new information is received to ensure workplace safety and regulatory compliance.