Final answer:
Employers are legally responsible for providing Safety Data Sheets to inform workers about chemical hazards in the workplace. They must comply with OSHA standards and aim to eliminate or reduce hazards through workplace modifications before resorting to personal protective equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
By law, the primary responsibility for providing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) falls on the employers. Employers are required to inform their workers about chemical hazards in the workplace through proper training and by providing access to SDS. These sheets contain critical information on how to safely handle chemicals, potential dangers to health and the environment, and instructions for the disposal of chemicals. It's important to note that some industries may have additional organizations that provide health and safety information specific to their materials and processes, like the Polyurethane Manufacturers Association (PMA) and the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) for polyurethane-related substances.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), employers have the duty to provide a workplace without serious hazards and comply with OSHA's safety and health standards. Personal protective equipment must be used as a last resort; the initial approach should be to eliminate or reduce hazards by redesigning work conditions. This involves substituting dangerous chemicals with safer ones, enclosing processes, or installing adequate ventilation systems. While individuals are responsible for their actions in a lab setting, employers must ensure that the necessary protective measures and hazard communications are in place. This provides a comprehensive strategy for maintaining a safe work environment, especially when handling hazardous chemicals.