What is the purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

The purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is to inform users about the hazards associated with chemicals and the necessary precautions for safe handling, storage, and disposal. It serves as a critical resource in environments where hazardous substances are used, providing detailed information regarding the physical and chemical properties of the substances, health effects, first-aid measures, and fire-fighting measures, along with environmental and regulatory considerations.

This is particularly important in settings such as healthcare facilities or laboratories where exposure to hazardous chemicals may occur during the reprocessing of medical devices, including flexible endoscopes. An SDS helps ensure that personnel understand the risks involved with chemical agents they may encounter, leading to safer practices and compliance with safety regulations.

The other options focus more on device classification, reprocessing instructions, or practices related to medical devices, which are not the primary function of an SDS. Therefore, the correct identification of the SDS's purpose emphasizes its foundational role in chemical safety and handling protocols.