Employers shall maintain any safety data sheets (SDSs) for which type of substances?

The requirement for employers to maintain safety data sheets (SDSs) specifically pertains to hazardous chemicals. This is rooted in both regulatory standards, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard, and best practices for workplace safety. SDSs provide vital information on how to safely handle, store, and dispose of hazardous chemicals, including data on the chemical’s properties, health hazards, protective measures, and safety precautions.

While cleaning supplies, flammable materials, and toxic substances may indeed require some level of safety documentation, the term "hazardous chemicals" encapsulates a broader category that includes various substances that could pose a risk to health and safety in the workplace. Essentially, maintaining SDSs for hazardous chemicals helps ensure that all potential risks are understood and mitigated, allowing for the safe handling of a wide variety of materials in different workplace environments.