Do you manage a non-profit organization where chemicals are used—even just occasionally? Whether you operate a food service, a shelter, a clinic, school, or a community center, chemical safety still applies to you. Understanding your legal responsibilities can protect your workers, volunteers, and the community you serve.
In both the United States and Canada, employers must follow national chemical safety regulations—OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) in the U.S. and WHMIS under the Hazardous Products Act in Canada. While regulations vary slightly, both systems share key requirements that non-profits must follow. This article provides a high-level overview of these responsibilities with a focus on affordable solutions for resource-conscious organizations.
Why Chemical Safety Compliance Matters in the Non-Profit Sector
Even small non-profits may store or use cleaning agents, disinfectants, fuels, or lab chemicals. Failing to comply with chemical safety rules not only puts your team at risk but could also result in fines, lost funding, or damage to your reputation.
Employer Responsibilities (And Cost-Saving Tips)
-
Label Hazardous Products
- All hazardous materials must have clear, up-to-date labels.
- Tip: Use free workplace labeling templates available online to save on costs.
-
Provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
- An SDS must be accessible for every hazardous product used on-site.
-
Budget-Friendly Option: Outsourcing SDS management to affordable services like mSDSsource reduces the burden on staff and ensures compliance at a fraction of the cost of manual tracking.
-
Train Workers and Volunteers
- Provide training that covers hazards, safe use, storage, disposal, and emergency procedures.
- Free Resource: OSHA and WHMIS websites offer no-cost training guides and videos that can be adapted to your setting.
-
Maintain a Chemical Inventory
- Keep an updated list of all hazardous products.
-
Efficiency Tip: Many SDS management apps like mSDSsource include built-in inventory tracking, so you don’t need to do it all in spreadsheets.
-
Implement Control Measures
- Use PPE, ventilation, or safe handling procedures to reduce risk.
- Cost Tip: Focus on the most common products used and train accordingly to avoid over-purchasing PPE.
-
Review and Update Procedures
- Revisit your program annually or when new chemicals are introduced.
- Tip: Set a yearly calendar reminder—simple steps go a long way in maintaining compliance.
-
Maintain Records
- Keep records of training sessions, SDS updates, and chemical incidents.
-
Engage Workers
- Include staff and volunteers in safety discussions or health and safety committees.
Worker Responsibilities
- Participate in training and ask questions.
- Read SDSs and follow procedures.
- Use PPE as required and report unsafe conditions.
- Support the organization’s health and safety efforts.
Whether paid staff or volunteers, everyone has a role in chemical safety.
How Outsourcing SDS Management Saves Non-Profits Time and Money
Managing SDSs in-house can be time-consuming and confusing—especially for non-profits with limited administrative staff. Outsourcing this function to specialized providers like mSDS Source:
- Reduces workload so your team can focus on mission-driven work.
- Ensures compliance with up-to-date SDSs at all times.
- Prevents fines or liabilities from missing or outdated documentation.
- Costs less than hiring someone to manually chase down SDSs and maintain paper files.
Some SDS services like mSDS Source offer low-cost plans ideal for non-profit budgets. This means you can maintain compliance without sacrificing program funding or staffing.
The Bottom Line: Focus on Your Mission—Not on Managing SDSs
For non-profits, every dollar and every hour counts. Complying with chemical safety regulations doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. By using free resources, streamlining training, and outsourcing SDS management to affordable providers, your organization can maintain a safe, compliant workplace without pulling resources away from your mission.
Let safety tools work for you—so you can keep working for others.
