What is a key reason to read Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?

Reading Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is essential for understanding the hazards associated with chemicals. Each SDS provides comprehensive information about a chemical's properties, including its potential health effects, flammable characteristics, reactivity, and safe handling procedures. This understanding is crucial for laboratory work, as it enables individuals to identify risks and take appropriate safety precautions to prevent accidents or exposure.

The information within an SDS provides guidance on what personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary when working with the substance, how to respond in case of an emergency, and guidelines for proper storage and disposal. By familiarizing oneself with these details, lab personnel can work safely and responsibly, ensuring both their own safety and that of their colleagues. This makes the knowledge garnered from an SDS a foundational aspect of maintaining a safe laboratory environment.