What is the purpose of a safety data sheet (SDS)?

The purpose of a safety data sheet (SDS) is to provide comprehensive information about the hazards associated with a chemical, as well as guidance on safe handling, storage, and emergency measures in case of exposure or accidents. An SDS typically includes sections detailing the chemical's identity, hazards, first-aid measures, fire-fighting techniques, handling and storage recommendations, and information about potential health effects. This resource is critical for ensuring safety in laboratories and other environments where hazardous chemicals are used, allowing workers to understand the risks and implement appropriate safety precautions.

In contrast, the other options reflect unrelated functions. For example, operation of laboratory instruments is not covered by an SDS, as this document focuses on chemical safety rather than equipment use. A daily lab schedule would pertain to the organization of lab activities and appointments rather than hazardous substances. Patient histories are medical documents concerned with individual patient data and treatment history, which does not overlap with chemical safety information provided in an SDS.