What is the role of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in workplace safety?

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), now more commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), play a critical role in workplace safety by offering detailed information about the hazardous properties of materials. This information includes the identification of substances, potential hazards, safe handling practices, emergency response measures, and storage recommendations.

The comprehensive data provided in MSDS/SDS empowers workers and employers to understand the risks associated with the materials they use, enabling them to implement appropriate safety measures. This is vital not only for compliance with health and safety regulations but also for ensuring a safe working environment.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of MSDS/SDS. They do not serve as guidelines for equipment repairs, nor do they primarily focus on outlining workplace procedures or functioning solely as legal documents. Instead, their main goal is to inform about the hazards and safe handling of substances in various industrial and workplace settings.