Why Ongoing SDS Training Is Crucial for Your Workforce
The National Safety Council says that exposure to harmful chemicals and environments led to 634,080 cases of days away from work. If your employees handle chemicals frequently, they need adequate knowledge for their protection and company compliance.
Safety data sheets (SDS) provide critical information about chemicals to help your workforce avoid injuries and damages. However, accidents can still occur due to lacking access to SDS and poor training.
Ongoing SDS training will help keep your team safe and avoid legal issues. Here, we discuss the benefits of SDS training in depth and explore how to improve workforce safety compliance.
The Importance of SDS Training in the Workplace
When workers incorrectly handle chemicals, they can suffer burns and breathing problems. Explosions may also occur when they mix the wrong chemicals, leading to dangerous reactions.
Employees who understand SDS safety protocols are less likely to cause accidents. Here is an overview of how training improves the workplace:
- It allows employees to recognize dangers
- It teaches them safe handling methods
- Proper training reduces the fear of chemicals
- It builds trust
Training helps workers spot potential hazards before they lead to accidents. It allows them to identify GHS labels and interpret them correctly. Besides, they can quickly understand and manage risks when dealing with hazardous chemicals.
Ongoing SDS training will educate your workers on the following:
- How to use personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Safe storage practices
- Correct disposal methods
Handling chemicals can be scary, especially for workers who are new to the industry. Training allows employees to understand the steps to take if a spill happens.
They will also know how to protect themselves and others in an emergency. Such information can reduce fear and avoid mistakes caused by panic or hesitation.
If employees understand chemical safety, they’ll feel more confident doing their jobs. They don’t have to second-guess decisions because they know they have sufficient information.
Investing in regular SDS training allows employees to feel you value their safety and care for them. They’ll be more likely to follow safety rules and encourage responsibility amongst themselves.
Improving HazCom Compliance With Continuous Employee Training
Hazardous communication (HazCom) regulations require companies to:
- Label hazardous chemicals properly
- Provide SDS with clear information about each chemical
- Train workers on handling chemicals safely
- Have an updated chemical inventory
While most employees get SDS training when they join a company, you can’t expect them to remember everything forever. Chemicals may change, causing authorities to enforce or update rules.
SDS knowledge enhancement ensures every worker is up-to-date and well-equipped to handle hazards. It helps you communicate details about new chemicals or changing safety regulations. With such resources, workers can use appropriate safety measures and keep your company compliant.
Training your employees refreshes their knowledge of chemical safety and lowers the chance of mistakes. It empowers them and makes them more aware of their responsibilities in avoiding accidents.
Tools to Simplify HazCom Compliance and SDS Training
Technology makes it easier to conduct SDS training and ensure HazCom compliance. Here are some helpful tools you can use in your company:
- Online SDS management software
- Chemical inventory management solutions
- HazCom training platforms
Keeping track of safety data sheets can be overwhelming when you have many chemicals in your workplace. Online SDS management tools will help you do the following:
- Store SDS in one central digital location
- Quickly search and find the correct sheet when needed
- Update SDS records easily as regulations or chemicals change
With online SDS solutions, your employees will save time and avoid missing important safety information.
Further, they won’t need to search cabinets or files to find safety sheets when they need to confirm something. Instead, they can access the details from their computer and quickly move on to other core duties.
Scheduling and tracking safety training sessions can be stressful when running a large company. Training platforms make your work easier by:
- Offering online courses that employees can take on their own time
- Keeping records of who has completed training
- Sending reminders for refresher courses
By using such tools, you can make HazCom compliance manageable and more effective. You will keep the workplace safe and reduce the time and resources spent on SDS training.
Simplify SDS Access With Mobile Apps
While SDS management software is helpful in many cases, employees may need faster access to safety data sheets. SDS mobile apps allow them to:
- Look up safety instructions on the go
- Access emergency response steps when there’s a spill or accident
- Avoid delays caused by searching through manual records
When you invest in an online SDS app, your workers get instant access to safety information, no matter where they are. The flexibility helps them act quickly in emergencies, lowering the risk of accidents and injuries.
Mobile apps support teamwork since employees can share real-time safety updates with each other. They will also receive reminders and push notifications if there are any critical SDS updates.
How to Conduct SDS Training in Your Company
Follow the following steps for effective SDS training:
- Assess your current training
- Invest in the right tools
- Review your training frequently
Evaluate how your company currently trains employees about SDS and chemical safety. Ask yourself questions such as:
- Do they get all the training they need?
- Do they know how to use chemical inventory management tools?
- Are they able to quickly access and use SDS tools?
- Are there any gaps in knowledge that could lead to accidents?
Once you identify the areas to improve, choose the right tools to streamline training. Go for platforms with great reviews and ensure they have regular updates containing correct information.
These will ensure your training remains up-to-date and effective. Still, it’s important to ask your employees for feedback to determine if the SDS training they get is helpful.
Streamline SDS Training With Kelleher, Helmrich and Associates, Inc. (KHA)
Ongoing SDS training empowers your employees, avoids damage, and ensures compliance. It also protects your company from accidents and legal issues. Simplify training and make it more effective by investing in tools like SDS mobile apps and online SDS management software.
KHA has been a leader in offering customized SDS management since 1985. Our extensive experience and tech innovations allow us to provide user-friendly SDS management tools. Visit our page to learn more about our SDS services and solutions.