Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which agency mandates the production of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)?

1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

3. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

4. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The correct answer is: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for regulating and ensuring workplace safety, which includes the requirement for Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). SDSs are essential documents that provide comprehensive information about a substance, including its hazards, handling, storage, and emergency measures in case of an accident. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) mandates that employers maintain and provide access to SDSs for all hazardous chemicals used in the workplace. This requirement aims to ensure that workers are informed about the risks associated with the chemicals they may encounter and how to protect themselves. The other agencies mentioned do not have this specific mandate regarding SDSs. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses more on environmental protection and regulating pollutants, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees food and drug safety. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) primarily conducts biomedical research and does not impose requirements related to chemical safety in the workplace. Therefore, OSHA is the correct choice for the agency that mandates the production of Safety Data Sheets.