What is one of the primary uses of a Safety Data Sheet in hazardous material handling?

The primary use of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in hazardous material handling is to identify chemical properties and hazards associated with specific substances. SDS documents are vital resources for understanding the safety requirements and risks associated with chemicals. They provide critical information such as the nature of the chemical, its physical and chemical properties, potential hazards (including health hazards, flammability, and reactivity), and recommended precautions for safe handling and storage.

This information is essential for anyone who works with hazardous materials, ensuring that employees and responders can protect themselves and respond appropriately to incidents involving those materials. By recognizing the hazards and properties listed in the SDS, individuals can make informed decisions about personal protective equipment, emergency response, and safe operational practices.

While disposal methods, usage instructions for emergency responders, and documentation of exposure are important aspects of handling hazardous materials, they are secondary to the fundamental purpose of the SDS, which is to provide a comprehensive overview of the chemical's hazards and necessary safety measures.