Dialing in Safety Data Sheets for Restroom Businesses

Using SDS forms as one piece of a larger safety program

Nov 11, 2025 | by Jeff and Terri Wigley |

Safety Occupational Safety and Health Administation (OSHA)

Question: Can you please give us an overview of Safety Data Sheets, or SDS, as we have several questions. What is the difference between an MSDS and an SDS? What products do we need these forms for? We know that our drivers are supposed to carry these on their trucks; however, do these forms have to be stored or posted in the office? Any other tips that you have would be extremely helpful in this area.

Answer: One point to keep in mind is that these forms are part of a larger safety program. To gain a better understanding of these OSHA-mandated safety regulations, a brief overview of the purpose and background of this program, which includes these safety forms, is in order.

Background

Originally named Material Safety Data Sheets, these forms were part of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard to inform employees in the maritime industry as to the hazards of chemicals that were associated with their workplace — boats and ships, whether docked or on the water. Storage requirements, proper labeling, procedures for spills and first aid treatments, if exposed to these chemicals, were the foundation of this safety initiative.

Established in the 1960s, after the necessary mandatory training, these information sheets were required to be stored on each vessel.

In 1983, this safety program for hazardous chemicals was expanded to manufacturing facilities and finally to all employers by 1987. In 2012, plans were made to transition the program in the U.S. to adhere to the new global standards. On June 1, 2015, as part of this standardization, our MSDS forms changed to Safety Data Sheets.

Purpose

Today’s OSHA Hazard Communication Standard has one basic goal — to ensure that workers are aware of and trained about any potentially hazardous substances or materials in the workplace. Chemical manufacturers are required to evaluate the hazards of their products and to classify them according to OSHA criteria. These companies then label their products with the appropriate warnings and precautionary statements. Finally, they produce the SDS that is provided to the purchaser. The employer must then share this information with the employee, making them aware of any hazards, proper usage and storage of the product, and any other necessary safety precautions. The employee must then maintain a current SDS for each product that they will be using in performing their job.

Components of the SDS form

SDS forms are made up of 16 standard sections that cover specific areas. Here are some of the more important sections:

Section 1 - Identification — type of hazard using a color code system

Red - Fire Hazard
Blue - Health Hazard
Yellow - Reactivity Hazard
White - Specific Hazard

The essential contact information of the supplier is listed.

Section 2 - Hazard(s) Identification — specific warnings are listed

Section 4 - First Aid Information

Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures

Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures — spill or leak management

Section 7 - Handling and Storage

Section 8 - Exposure Controls / Personal Protection — Any PPE required to handle

Section 13 - Disposal Considerations

Products requiring SDS forms

For our industry, SDS forms must be onboard each service vehicle for all products used. These include items that you might overlook:

Deodorizers — the most obvious and the most easily obtained from the supplier
Fragrance products
Cleaning products such as bleach and ammonia
Urinal blocks
Graffiti remover
Diesel exhaust fluid
Pump oil
Parts lubricants such as WD-40

Products purchased from suppliers in our industry include SDS forms as standard operating procedure. SDS forms for other products can be found online and should be printed and maintained by the PRO.

Display and maintenance

Both DOT and OSHA require that SDS forms be onboard company vehicles that transport hazardous chemicals. All SDS forms must be updated every three years or sooner if new information on that product becomes available.

Our recommendation is that these forms be included in what we refer to as the “Driver Notebook,” which is in the cab of each vehicle. It includes copies of insurance cards, vehicle registration, waste disposal permits, company and emergency phone numbers, and any other paperwork that the PRO deems important. We would recommend having the SDS forms together in a dedicated section with the form for the deodorizer on top as it is often requested at wastewater treatment plants.

In the office, store the SDS forms with the company safety program and OSHA files to maintain all of this information in an organized fashion. Another suggestion is to have copies of the SDS forms in a notebook next to the company’s first-aid kit. If someone comes in contact with one of these chemicals, the SDS provides first-aid procedures.

FINAL THOUGHTS

SDS forms are an important and necessary part of your company’s safety plan. Training employees about the importance and usefulness of SDS forms is vital to the safety of your employees. We would recommend the PSAI Virtual Training Class on “Health, Safety and Professional Excellence” for an in-depth analysis of SDS forms.