OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many sections are in a standardized Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under HazCom 2012?
- 8
- 12
- 16 (Correct answer)
- 20
Correct answer: 16
The GHS-aligned SDS format has 16 standardized sections in a set order.
Question 2: Which SDS section contains first-aid measures?
- Section 4 (Correct answer)
- Section 9
- Section 14
- Section 16
Correct answer: Section 4
Section 4 of an SDS covers first-aid measures.
Question 3: Sections 12 through 15 of an SDS are which type of information?
- Legally enforceable by OSHA
- Not enforced by OSHA but included for GHS consistency (Correct answer)
- Employee training records
- Optional advertising
Correct answer: Not enforced by OSHA but included for GHS consistency
Sections 12–15 (ecological, disposal, transport, regulatory) are not enforced by OSHA but retained for GHS consistency.
Question 4: Where must SDSs be kept in the workplace?
- Locked in the manager's office only
- Readily accessible to employees during their shift (Correct answer)
- Off-site at corporate headquarters
- In the employee's personal locker
Correct answer: Readily accessible to employees during their shift
SDSs must be readily accessible to employees in their work area during each work shift.
Question 5: Which SDS section lists exposure limits like the OSHA PEL?
- Section 8 (Exposure controls/personal protection) (Correct answer)
- Section 2 (Hazard identification)
- Section 11 (Toxicological information)
- Section 16 (Other information)
Correct answer: Section 8 (Exposure controls/personal protection)
Section 8 covers exposure controls and personal protection, including PELs and TLVs.
Question 6: If a new SDS arrives showing new hazard information, what must the employer do?
- Discard the old SDS and ignore it
- Update files and inform affected employees of new hazards (Correct answer)
- Wait for the next annual review
- Only notify management
Correct answer: Update files and inform affected employees of new hazards
Employers must maintain current SDSs and inform employees of newly identified hazards.
Question 7: Within what timeframe must a manufacturer provide an updated SDS after learning of significant new hazard information?
- Within 3 months (Correct answer)
- Within 6 months
- Within 12 months
- Within 30 days
Correct answer: Within 3 months
Manufacturers must update the SDS within three months of learning of new significant hazard information.
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 3
How many sections are in a standardized Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under HazCom 2012?