Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are the backbone of chemical compliance and workplace safety.
Yet, despite their importance, many organisations still rely on outdated methods to manage them. Methods that can be time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to scale.
To better understand how teams currently handle SDSs, CleanChain recently conducted a survey. Here’s what we found:
- 67% use spreadsheets (e.g., Excel)
- 33% rely on shared folders (e.g., SharePoint)
- 0% use SDS management software
- 0% depend on paper binders or email chains
What the Results Tell Us
It’s clear from the results that spreadsheets remain the dominant tool for SDS management. While Excel offers familiarity and flexibility, it quickly becomes a burden when managing hundreds or even thousands of SDSs. Version control issues, manual data entry errors, and the lack of built-in compliance checks make spreadsheets a risky choice.
Shared folders like SharePoint were the second most common method, used by 33% of respondents. While shared drives improve accessibility compared to email chains or physical binders, they still lack automation, real-time updates, and compliance monitoring. Ultimately, they act as a digital filing cabinet rather than a true management solution.
Perhaps the most striking insight is that none of the respondents reported using dedicated SDS management software. This suggests that many organisations are missing the opportunity to streamline their processes, reduce errors, and enhance compliance.
Why It Matters
Relying on spreadsheets or shared folders might seem sufficient in the short term, but these methods come with real risks. Outdated SDSs, missing information, or manual errors can expose companies to compliance gaps, regulatory penalties, and workplace safety hazards.
As regulations evolve and supply chains grow more complex, businesses need reliable systems that ensure:
- Accuracy — SDS data is always up-to-date and complete.
- Efficiency — Teams spend less time on manual entry and more time on proactive safety management.
- Visibility — Centralised data makes it easier to track compliance across sites, regions, or suppliers.
The Path Forward
The survey results underscore a pressing need for modernisation. Dedicated SDS management software can transform how companies approach compliance by automating data extraction, centralising documents, and enabling real-time reporting.
Instead of chasing down the latest version of an SDS or worrying about errors in a spreadsheet, teams can rely on systems that support accuracy, safety, and sustainability.
At CleanChain, we’re helping organisations make that shift. By moving away from outdated methods, businesses can reduce risk, save time, and stay ahead of evolving compliance requirements.
Learn more and book a demo cleanchaininfo@adec-innovations.com
