Know what's in the products you use
Safety Data Sheets (SDS, formerly called MSDS) are provided by manufacturers for chemical products and describe handling, storage, and emergency response information. Keep these accessible for every chemical product used in your business, not just on file somewhere unused.
This is general safety education, not a substitute for manufacturer guidance or OSHA compliance requirements specific to your products and business. Consult OSHA's small business resources and your product manufacturers' documentation directly.
Storage principles
- Store chemicals in their original, labeled containers where possible.
- Keep flammable products away from heat sources.
- Separate incompatible chemicals per manufacturer guidance.
- Ensure adequate ventilation wherever chemicals are stored or used.
Protecting staff who handle chemicals daily
Staff exposure is typically far higher than any individual client's — appropriate protective equipment (gloves, masks where relevant) and proper ventilation protect the people most affected by repeated daily exposure.
Build a simple habit of reviewing a new product's safety information before it's put into regular use, not after an issue arises — this takes only a few minutes and can prevent real problems.
Emergency preparedness
Know your protocol for a chemical spill or exposure incident before one happens — a brief, clear plan (and any required first aid supplies on hand) makes a real difference in an actual emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to keep SDS sheets for every product? Yes, generally — check current OSHA requirements for how these should be maintained and made accessible to employees.
Are natural or "clean" beauty products exempt from these safety considerations? No — "natural" doesn't mean risk-free. Evaluate every product's actual safety information rather than assuming based on marketing claims.