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Do you manage an automotive dealership with a service or maintenance shop? If so, chemical safety compliance is not optional—it’s an operational necessity. From motor oil and transmission fluids to degreasers and brake cleaners, your team handles a wide range of hazardous products daily. Whether you’re a dealership manager or a technician, everyone has defined responsibilities under chemical safety regulations that vary based on your country and state or province.
In the United States, workplaces must comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom). In Canada, WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) applies, governed by the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR). This article provides a high-level overview of these regulations with a special focus on automotive settings.
Ensure all fluids and chemicals—such as cleaners, lubricants, and battery acid—are labeled correctly with supplier or workplace labels. Illegible or missing labels on shop chemicals are a common violation during inspections.
Service bays should have easy access to up-to-date SDSs for all products used. Whether you use paper binders in the back office or an SDS management app on a tablet, every technician must be able to reference safety information during their shift.
Automotivetechnicians must receive training on:
Training must reflect actual dealership products and be refreshed regularly, especially when new products or shop processes are introduced.
Keep a current list of all hazardous chemicals in use—this includes brake fluid, windshield washer additives, paint thinners, and refrigerants. An inventory audit should be conducted at least annually or when major product changes occur.
Implement and maintain proper controls in your shop:
Annual reviews of your chemical management program are critical. Any change in product brand, supplier, or process should trigger a policy review.
Retain training records, SDS updates, and incident reports for inspections or internal audits. Digital recordkeeping can streamline this process and prevent documentation lapses.
Use joint health and safety committees or designated reps to gather feedback and ensure all shop workers understand and support chemical safety protocols.
Many dealerships rely on services like mSDS Source to manage their SDS systems. With a digital SDS management app, technicians can access accurate chemical information on mobile devices in real-time—an efficient and compliant solution for busy service shops.
Benefits of Professional SDS Management
In automotive dealerships with active service shops, managing chemical safety isn’t just best practice—it’s legally required. With constant handling of oils, coolants, cleaners, and degreasers, service bays are at the frontline of chemical compliance risks. Leveraging professional SDS management tools and training ensures your team works safely and within regulatory boundaries. Companies like mSDS Source can help dealerships maintain compliance, protect workers, and streamline operations.
