Which document is essential for communicating chemical hazards?

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is essential for communicating chemical hazards because it provides comprehensive information about the properties of a specific chemical substance. This includes details on the hazards associated with the chemical, safe handling practices, emergency response measures, and guidelines for storage and disposal. The SDS is a critical tool for ensuring that workers and emergency responders understand the risks posed by chemicals they may encounter, allowing them to take appropriate precautions to protect their health and safety.

Additionally, the SDS is standardized in format through regulations such as OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, which ensures that the information is easily accessible and interpretable across different workplaces. This consistency helps to promote safety and compliance in environments where chemicals are used.

In contrast, other documents such as the Chemical Inventory List, Hazard Communication Plan, and Product Labeling Guide serve important roles in overall chemical safety management but do not provide the same level of detailed hazard information as the SDS does. The Chemical Inventory List tracks what chemicals are on-site, the Hazard Communication Plan outlines how hazards are communicated in general, and the Product Labeling Guide assists in labeling but lacks the in-depth safety information contained within the SDS.