Article 35 of the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 gives workers and their representatives the right to access information about hazardous substances they may be exposed to during their work. It’s a key provision in ensuring chemical safety in the workplace—and one that companies must not overlook.

What Does Article 35 Require with regards to Safety Data Sheets?

Employers and professionals handling hazardous chemicals must provide access to:

• The chemical safety data of substances or mixtures used at the workplace;

• Relevant sections of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS);

• Other information necessary for risk management and protective measures.

"Workers and their representatives shall be granted access by their employer to the information provided in accordance with Articles 31 and 32 in relation to substances or  mixtures that they use or may be exposed to in the course of their work."

Who Must Comply with Safety Data Sheet requirements?

Any downstream user, distributor, or employer using substances that require an SDS under REACH must comply with Article 35. This includes:

• Manufacturers and importers;

• Employers in industrial or laboratory settings;

• Any entity storing or handling classified substances.

Wherever employees can be exposed to chemicals they should have access to relevant Safety Data Sheets.

What Information Must Be Provided According to SDS requirements?

You must provide workers with:

• Safety Data Sheets (SDSs);

• Exposure scenarios (if applicable);

• Information on protective measures and safe handling;

• Classification and labelling details.

🟦 What Does This Mean in Practice?

Employers must actively share SDSs and related risk information with all employees working with hazardous substances. Simply storing SDSs in a binder or online system is not enough unless employees know how to access and interpret them.

Consequences of SDS Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with Article 35 may result in:

• Labour inspections and sanctions from occupational health authorities;

• Administrative fines or REACH enforcement actions;

• Reputational risks and potential liability in case of workplace incidents.

How to Ensure Compliance

• ✅ Make SDSs easily accessible – physically or digitally;

• ✅ Train staff on reading and understanding SDSs;

• ✅ Keep information up to date – including exposure scenarios;

• ✅ Maintain clear internal procedures for chemical safety communication.

Final Thoughts

Article 35 of REACH is not just a legal formality—it’s a fundamental worker right. Ensuring access to chemical safety information protects your team, helps meet regulatory obligations, and fosters a strong safety culture. If you need help with SDS compliance or setting up internal procedures, our experts at SDS Create are here to support you.

Need support with SDS management or REACH obligations?

📩 Contact us at info@sds-create.com

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