Which organization is responsible for creating Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for creating Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which are now known as Safety Data Sheets (SDS) under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. OSHA developed the standards for these sheets to ensure that employees have access to information about hazardous chemicals they may encounter in the workplace. This includes details on handling, storage, risks, and emergency measures in case of exposure.

This approach is part of OSHA's broader mission to protect worker safety and health by ensuring they receive comprehensive information about substances they are exposed to in their work environment. Other organizations mentioned, like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have roles related to environmental health and food safety respectively, but they do not oversee the creation of MSDS/SDS. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injury and illness but does not create the MSDS/SDS itself. Thus, OSHA's role in this context is fundamental and pivotal for workplace safety standards regarding hazardous materials.