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Step-by-Step Guide for Auckland Businesses: Ensuring Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Are Available and Accessible

Introduction

If your Auckland business uses hazardous substances like cleaning products, paints, fuels, or industrial chemicals, you’re legally required under HSNO (Hazardous Substances and New Organisms) regulations to keep Safety Data Sheets (SDS) up-to-date and accessible to workers.

SDS are not just paperwork — they are critical for ensuring staff know how to store, handle, and respond to emergencies involving hazardous substances. Unfortunately, many businesses fail to keep SDS current or easy to access, putting both workers and compliance at risk.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making sure your SDS practices are compliant — and how Auditsure can make the process easy for you.

Step 1: Identify All Hazardous Substances On Site

The first step is to list every hazardous product used or stored in your workplace.
👉 Auditsure can help by carrying out a hazardous substances audit and creating a full product inventory.

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Step 2: Source Current Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Each substance must have an SDS that is:

  • Issued within the last 5 years

  • Provided by the supplier or manufacturer

  • Written in English and aligned with NZ regulations

👉 Auditsure can help by reviewing your existing SDS library, checking expiry dates, and sourcing new ones where required.

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Step 3: Organise and Store SDS Properly

SDS should be stored in a way that is easy for staff to access at all times:

  • A physical folder on-site (clearly labelled)

  • A digital library accessible on shared devices or cloud storage

  • Back-up copies in case of emergencies

👉 Auditsure can help by setting up digital SDS management systems that are simple to update and share.

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Step 4: Train Staff to Use SDS

It’s not enough to have SDS on site — staff must know where to find them and how to use them. Training should cover:

  • Understanding hazard symbols

  • Safe handling procedures

  • What to do in case of spills or accidents

👉 Auditsure can help by delivering toolbox talks and induction training on SDS use.

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Step 5: Review and Update Regularly

Keeping SDS current is an ongoing requirement:

  • Review at least annually

  • Update when new products are added

  • Remove expired or unused product SDS

👉 Auditsure can help by providing scheduled compliance reviews, so you never fall behind.

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Why Work With Auditsure?

Managing SDS can be time-consuming and confusing — but with Auditsure, you’ll have:

  • ✅ A complete hazardous substances inventory

  • ✅ Up-to-date SDS management

  • ✅ Digital or physical SDS registers

  • ✅ Training for your staff

  • ✅ Regular compliance checks and audits

With our support, your Auckland business will stay fully compliant, protect staff, and avoid costly penalties.

Conclusion

Safety Data Sheets are the foundation of good hazardous substances management. By following these steps — and partnering with Auditsure — your Auckland business can ensure SDS are always available, accessible, and compliant.

📞 Contact Auditsure today to book your SDS compliance review and safeguard your workplace.

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