Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

What is an SDS?

A Safety Data Sheet (formerly MSDS) contains:

• Hazard information
• First aid procedures
• Safe handling instructions
• Storage requirements
• Spill cleanup procedures

OSHA requires you to have SDS documents available for every chemical.

Two Ways to Add SDS Documents

When adding an SDS, you have two options:

Option 1: Global SDS Library

WashConsole maintains a shared library of common car wash chemicals. To use it:

1. Go to SDS Library in the sidebar
2. Click Add SDS
3. Select the Library tab
4. Search for your chemical by name or manufacturer
5. Select from the results
6. Click Add to My Library

Benefits of the library:

• Pre-uploaded, verified SDS documents
• Automatic updates when manufacturers release new versions
• No manual uploading required
• Common car wash chemicals already included

Option 2: Manual Upload

If your chemical isn't in the global library:

1. Go to SDS Library in the sidebar
2. Click Add SDS
3. Select the Upload tab
4. Enter the chemical name
5. Upload the PDF from your supplier
6. Save

Missing SDS Dashboard

WashConsole tracks which chemicals are missing SDS documents:

• Go to SDS Library
• Look for the Missing SDS section
• See a list of chemicals without uploaded documents
• Upload each one to become compliant

This helps ensure you have complete documentation for all chemicals.

Viewing an SDS

Click the View SDS button on any chemical to open the PDF.

Product Sheets

In addition to SDS documents, you can also upload product sheets:

• Marketing materials from suppliers
• Dilution ratios and mixing instructions
• Application guidelines

These are separate from the legally-required SDS.

AI Text Extraction

When you upload a PDF, the system automatically:

• Extracts text content from the document
• Enables AI Safety Officer to answer questions
• Indexes the content for searching

Note: Scanned PDFs (images of documents) may not extract properly. If you see a warning, try to get a native PDF from the manufacturer.

Where to Get SDS Documents

• Your chemical supplier
• Manufacturer's website
• Ask your distributor
• Check the WashConsole global library first!

Benefits of Storing SDS in WashConsole

• Always accessible from any device
• Never lose paper copies
• AI Safety Officer can answer questions from them
• Employees can quickly look up safety info
• Automatic compliance tracking
• Library keeps documents updated

How It Connects

You add a chemical to your site
  ↓
System checks: SDS missing!
  ↓
Appears in "Missing SDS" dashboard
  ↓
You search global library
  ↓
Chemical found → Add to your library
  ↓
SDS now available, compliance complete
  ↓
AI Safety Officer can answer questions

Tip

Check the global library first before manually uploading. You'll save time and get automatic updates when new versions are released.