California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlHard
A salon uses a chemical hair relaxer that requires an SDS on file. Under Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication requirements, where must this SDS be kept?
- AStored only in digital format on the owner's personal phone
- BReadily accessible to all employees during working hours
- CLocked in the owner's office, accessible only by appointment
- DMailed to employees upon request within 30 days
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Readily accessible to all employees during working hours
Cal/OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard requires that Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals be readily accessible to employees at all times during their work shifts, not locked away or delayed, so workers can quickly reference safety information in an emergency.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Relying solely on one person's personal device is not considered accessible to all staff.
- C. Locking SDS away defeats the purpose of immediate accessibility.
- D. A 30-day mailing delay would leave employees unprotected in an emergency.
SDS Accessibility (Hazard Communication)
Cal/OSHA requires Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals to be immediately and readily accessible to all employees during working hours.
- SDS must be kept in a binder or accessible electronic system on-site
- Employees must be trained on how to read and locate SDS
- SDS provides hazard info: composition, first aid, fire, handling, storage
- Products must also be properly labeled per GHS standards
Memory trick: 'SDS at your fingertips' — always within reach, never locked away.