By Anna Ginther, Digital Services Specialist, U.S. Compliance
For manufacturers, managing hazardous chemicals is not just about operational efficiency—it’s also a regulatory requirement and a vital part of protecting employee health and safety. Material Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), now more commonly referred to as Safety Data Sheets under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, are critical to ensuring workers have access to the information they need about the chemicals they handle.
To support manufacturers in meeting these requirements, the SDS Manager provides a structured, reliable solution for managing chemical safety data and maintaining regulatory compliance.
The SDS Manager is a digital chemical management platform accessed through the EHS Gateway and, when paired with our Compliance as a Service model, provides a comprehensive approach to staying compliant with federal, state, and local regulations. From centralizing SDS documents to automating secondary container labels, this tool empowers EHS professionals to maintain a safer workplace with greater ease.
Benefits of the SDS Manager
The primary goal of the SDS Manager is to simplify the process and reduce the time spent on SDS management while ensuring full compliance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and similar state-level regulations.
Some of the key benefits include:
- Quick access to chemical hazard information in the event of an emergency
- Reduced administrative burden on EHS teams with SDS automatic update service
- Access to a global SDS library with over seven million chemicals
- Live admin dashboard with easy integration for multi-site companies
- The ability to easily search, view, print, and archive SDSs
- Print workplace (secondary) container labels with a QR code for easy accessibility
- Streamlined reporting and auditing processes
- Enhanced transparency and accountability at every level of chemical usage
- Access to a dedicated, efficient team for customer support
By digitizing and centralizing SDS records, manufacturers can replace outdated paper-based systems with a scalable solution that grows with their operational needs.
Chemical Submissions Made Easy
Adding new chemicals to your SDS library is simple and intuitive. The SDS Manager provides access to a global SDS library of over seven million chemicals and also allows users to submit new chemical information directly through a structured form.
Whether introducing a new raw material to the production line or ordering a maintenance chemical for facility upkeep, the submission process ensures that no chemical enters the workplace without proper documentation.
Navigating the SDS Library
The heart of the SDS Manager is the centralized SDS Library, a cloud-based repository that houses all active chemical safety data sheets used across your facility or multiple locations. Designed for ease of use, the system features keyword search, advanced filters (by format, department, use type, or hazard class), and real-time updates.
EHS professionals can view SDSs, download PDF copies, and quickly access related documents. The platform also enables users to remove duplicates or archive SDSs for chemicals no longer in use, helping to keep the library organized and up to date.
Workplace (Secondary) Container Label Printing
Secondary container labeling is often one of the most overlooked components of chemical compliance, but it’s also one of the most critical. OSHA requires that all secondary containers (such as spray bottles or small transfer containers) be properly labeled with the chemical name and appropriate hazard warnings.
The SDS Manager eliminates manual labeling errors by offering a built-in label printing feature. Users can generate compliant secondary container labels on demand, automatically populated with the necessary information drawn directly from the SDS. Labels can be printed in various sizes and formats to meet different operational needs, using any standard printer.
Each label includes a QR code that can be scanned with any mobile phone or tablet, providing instant access to the SDS in PDF format as an additional way to access Right to Know information. This added layer of accessibility ensures employees can obtain hazard details at the point of use, supporting a safer and more informed work environment.
A Cloud-Based, Always Accessible Library
In today’s dynamic manufacturing environment, access to information anytime, anywhere is essential. The SDS Manager is entirely cloud-based, meaning there’s no need to install or maintain software. It also allows for seamless updates across facilities, regardless of size or geography.
With secure login credentials, EHS managers, supervisors, and safety team members can access the SDS library from any internet-connected device, whether they’re on the production floor, in the office, or at an off-site location. This accessibility ensures that information is always available when it’s needed most, especially in emergency response situations.
Right to Know: End User Access
Compliance with “Right to Know” laws means ensuring employees can access them easily. The SDS Manager supports this by providing multiple access points—including device-friendly links, e-binders, a public kiosk app, and QR code signage—connecting users directly to a digital SDS library tailored for frontline use.
This ensures that line workers, maintenance staff, and anyone who may encounter hazardous materials can quickly retrieve chemical hazard information without relying on supervisors or sifting through binders. It’s a proactive approach that reinforces both safety culture and regulatory compliance.
SDS Refresh & Review Services
SDSs are living documents that must be kept up to date as new regulatory or scientific information becomes available. The SDS Manager includes a routine SDS refresh and review process, led by qualified professionals who monitor updates from manufacturers and regulatory agencies.
This proactive review helps manufacturers avoid the risks associated with outdated or incomplete SDSs. When a revision is identified, the platform automatically updates the SDS in your library over a three-year period, ensuring that your team is always working with the most current information available.
Custom Reporting Feature
Compliance documentation is often needed for audits, inspections, or internal reviews. The SDS Manager features a robust reporting tool that enables users to generate customizable reports based on format, department, use type, chemical inventories, hazard classifications, and review status.
Need a report of all chemicals with specific hazards—such as carcinogens or flammables—or a list of SDSs reviewed in the past 12 months? The platform can produce this data in minutes, reducing administrative burden while improving transparency and readiness.
These reports can be exported in multiple formats (Excel, PDF, CSV) and shared with internal stakeholders, auditors, or regulators as needed.
Integration with CaaS
The SDS Manager is a key component of our broader Compliance as a Service (CaaS) model, delivering a fully supported, proactive approach to environmental, health, and safety compliance for manufacturers.
While the SDS Manager streamlines the centralized management of chemical safety data, the CaaS model extends this support by providing expert-led services that address the full spectrum of compliance responsibilities. These include developing written safety programs, conducting on-site audits, delivering employee training, managing regulatory reporting, and tracking ongoing compliance.
Together, the SDS Manager and CaaS form an integrated solution that helps manufacturers minimize chemical-related risks, enhance workplace safety, and maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, and state-level regulations. The system also facilitates seamless collaboration between facility teams and the U.S. Compliance experts who help guide program implementation and continuous improvement.
The SDS Manager is accessible through EHS Gateway, our secure cloud-based platform that also hosts additional tools, including the Learning Management System and Management Suite. This centralized access point ensures that all documentation and program resources are easy to locate, manage, and update across your organization.
Conclusion
Chemical safety management is a critical priority in today’s manufacturing environment. The SDS Manager provides manufacturers with a modern, efficient, and scalable solution for managing hazardous chemicals. By streamlining everything from chemical submissions and SDS updates to label printing and end-user access, it enhances workplace safety and operational excellence.
Whether your facility handles a few dozen chemicals or several hundred, the SDS Manager ensures your chemical safety program remains compliant, current, and accessible organization-wide.
If your facility is still relying on paper SDS binders or fragmented digital storage, it’s time to modernize your approach. The SDS Manager is your partner in simplifying compliance while keeping safety at the forefront.
To learn more, watch an SDS Manager webinar demonstration or contact U.S. Compliance.
