3.2. Chemicals, SDS Sheets, and Federal Regulations

💡 First Principle: Every chemical product in your salon — from disinfectants to waxes to peels — has a potential to cause harm if misused, mixed incorrectly, or improperly stored. The regulatory system (OSHA, EPA, FDA) and the SDS documentation system exist to make that hazard information accessible and actionable, not buried in fine print.

The exam tests three things: what an SDS sheet contains and when it must be accessible, how chemicals must be labeled and stored, and which federal agency governs what. These are procedural and regulatory knowledge questions — memorize the structure and you'll recognize correct answers.

⚠️ Common Misconception: SDS sheets are emergency documents you look up if something goes wrong. They must be on-site and accessible at all times during operations — before, during, and after services.