What role do safety data sheets (SDS) play in workplace safety?

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are essential documents in workplace safety, particularly when handling hazardous materials such as pesticides. They provide critical information about the potential hazards associated with chemicals, including their physical and chemical properties, health and environmental risks, and safe handling practices. The primary purpose of an SDS is to ensure that employees who use or are exposed to these chemicals are informed about how to work safely and what precautions to take.

Understanding the chemical hazards, necessary protective equipment, first aid measures, and emergency response actions outlined in the SDS is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring a safe working environment. Additionally, the SDS assists in compliance with occupational safety regulations, enabling employers to fulfill their legal obligations to protect workers' health and safety.

The other options, while they may suggest relevant themes, do not align with the primary function of SDS. For example, providing entertainment during training sessions or summarizing historical development are not related to the safety aspect that SDS conveys. Similarly, listing sales figures of pesticides does not serve any purpose in ensuring the safety of individuals handling those substances.