When are local establishments required to keep a Material Safety Data Sheet on file?

• A. When hazardous materials are transported
• B. When hazardous materials are used or stored on site
• C. When hazardous materials are packaged
• D. When hazardous materials are disposed of

Answer: (B)

The requirement for local establishments to maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), now generally referred to as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), is tied to the presence of hazardous materials on-site. This requirement ensures that information regarding the properties, hazards, handling, and safety precautions related to hazardous materials is readily accessible to all employees who may come into contact with those substances.

When hazardous materials are used or stored on-site, having an SDS available is crucial for ensuring safe operations and compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, which mandate that employers inform and train employees about the hazards associated with materials they handle. The SDS serves as a vital resource for understanding the risks of exposure and the appropriate emergency response procedures.

In practice, it is not necessary to have an SDS for hazardous materials merely during transportation, packaging, or disposal; these activities have their own regulatory requirements but do not inherently trigger the need for on-site SDS availability. Therefore, the requirement is specifically related to the use and storage of hazardous materials within the workplace.