1910.1200(b)(4)(ii): SDSs for Sealed Containers
In work operations where employees handle only sealed containers, employers must keep copies of safety data sheets received with incoming shipments, obtain an SDS as soon as possible if an employee requests one for a sealed container received without it, and make sure SDSs are readily accessible during each work shift to employees in their work areas.
Key takeaways
- 1910.1200(b)(4)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $20,694 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NV (3), AZ (2), LA (1).
- Related part: 1910.1200(b) Scope and application (44 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.1200(b)(4)(ii) is one requirement inside 1910.1200 Hazard communication, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(ii) Employers shall maintain copies of any safety data sheets that are received with incoming shipments of the sealed containers of hazardous chemicals, shall obtain a safety data sheet as soon as possible for sealed containers of hazardous chemicals received without a safety data sheet if an employee requests the safety data sheet, and shall ensure that the safety data sheets are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s); and, 14 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.1200.
Export the list: 14 inspections cited 1910.1200(b)(4)(ii) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: NV (3), AZ (2), LA (1), WI (1), NE (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RALEY'S | YERINGTON, NV | $9,795 |
| ENTERPRISES | SAINT MARTINVILLE, LA | $4,688 |
| FLEXCO PRODUCTS, INC. | ELKHART, IN | $3,150 |
| CPX2024XAM866X0013 - AARON'S MOBILE AUTO LLC DBA EXPRESS POWDERCOAT AND WHEEL REPAIR | GLENDALE, AZ | $1,106 |
| EAST ORANGE BOARD OF EDUCATION | EAST ORANGE, NJ | $1,000 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.1200(b)(4)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.1200(b)(4)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.1200(b) Scope and application 44 citations
- 1910.1200(b)(4) 29 citations
- 1910.1200(b)(4)(iii) 12 citations
- 1910.1200(b)(3) 9 citations
- 1910.1200(b)(1) 6 citations
- 1910.1200(b)(3)(iv)
- 1910.1200(b)(5)
- 1910.1200(b)(5)(i)
- 1910.1200(b)(5)(ii)
- 1910.1200(b)(5)(iii)
- 1910.1200(b)(5)(v)
- 1910.1200(b)(6)
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Frequently asked questions
Do warehouses with sealed containers need SDSs?
Yes. Employers must maintain copies of SDSs received with incoming shipments of sealed containers.
What if a shipment arrives without an SDS?
If an employee requests it, the employer must obtain an SDS as soon as possible.
When must SDSs be accessible?
During each work shift to employees when they are in their work areas.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-05
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.