Utah General Contractors - Business and Law Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

1. To list all available chemicals in a workplace

2. To provide information about each hazardous chemical

3. To ensure proper disposal of chemicals

4. To serve as a first-aid guide

The correct answer is: To provide information about each hazardous chemical

The main purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is to provide comprehensive information about each hazardous chemical. An SDS includes details such as the chemical's properties, health hazards, safe handling practices, emergency measures, and storage requirements. This information is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers who may be exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace. The SDS serves as a key resource for employers and employees to understand the risks associated with specific chemicals and to implement appropriate safety measures. While other choices might touch on related aspects, they do not encapsulate the primary function of the SDS. For example, simply listing all available chemicals in a workplace does not offer the nuanced safety information needed to handle those chemicals properly. Ensuring proper disposal and serving as a first-aid guide are also important, but these are not the central functions of an SDS. The document is fundamentally meant to inform about hazardous chemicals so that precautions can be taken to minimize risks.