Final answer:
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) aim to inform employees about the safe usage and potential hazards of chemicals in the workplace. These sheets support OSHA regulations and help create a safer working environment by offering guidelines on handling, exposure, and disposal of chemicals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) is to inform employees of safe use and hazards associated with chemicals used in the operation. Material Safety Data Sheets contain vital information about the proper handling of chemicals, potential dangers they pose, and best practices for disposal to ensure safety and environmental protection. MSDSs are a critical component for maintaining workplace safety and adhering to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
Employers have the responsibility to create a safe workplace, which involves educating workers about chemical hazards through various means such as training, labels, and MSDS. The Occupational Safety and Health Act empowers OSHA to set standards that minimize hazardous chemical exposure and promote the use of personal protective equipment. Companies are also required to design safer working conditions wherever possible, by adopting measures such as using less harmful chemicals or improving ventilation systems.
Employees should have access to MSDSs for all chemicals they might encounter as part of their job duties. These sheets are instrumental in preventing workplace injuries and illnesses by providing clear guidelines on how to interact with possible hazardous substances.