Chemical safety management software helps companies track, store, label, and train for hazardous chemicals safely and efficiently. It supports compliance with regulations like OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard and makes it easier to reduce risk, stay organized, and protect workers.
What is chemical safety management software used for?
Chemical safety management software helps companies handle hazardous chemicals more safely and efficiently. It centralizes key safety tasks, like accessing SDS, printing GHS-compliant labels, tracking chemical inventory, and managing training requirements, into one system.
Beyond daily operations, this software also plays a role in long-term risk reduction. It helps identify safety gaps, maintain accurate records, and streamline regulatory reporting. For safety teams, that means fewer manual processes and better visibility across facilities.
Now that you know what the software does, let’s look at who actually needs it and why.
Which industries benefit most from chemical safety software?
Any company that uses or stores hazardous chemicals can benefit from this kind of software. That includes industries like:
- Oil and gas
- Manufacturing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Construction
- Food and beverage
- Higher education and research
These sectors often handle large volumes of chemicals. They also face strict reporting, training, and emergency planning requirements. Software gives them a way to manage these tasks faster and with fewer mistakes. With those industries in mind, it’s important to understand exactly what OSHA requires when it comes to chemical safety.
What does OSHA require for chemical safety?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all employers with hazardous chemicals to:
- Keep a written Hazard Communication (HazCom) program
- Maintain a chemical inventory
- Label all hazardous chemical containers
- Provide up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Train workers to understand and use chemical information
These rules are detailed in 1910.1200, OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). Employers must also follow new updates released in July 2024 that align the U.S. system with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System. Fortunately, software can make these regulatory tasks easier. Let’s look at how.

How does software improve chemical safety compliance?
Software helps by organizing and automating core tasks. Here's how:
- Inventory Management: You can track what chemicals are on-site, where they are stored, and how much is used. This helps meet OSHA and EPA reporting rules, like EPCRA Tier II reports.
- SDS Access: The software makes Safety Data Sheets easy to find, read, and update. OSHA allows SDS to be stored electronically as long as they are accessible during every shift.
- Labeling: Many systems can create GHS-compliant labels. That includes pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements.
- Training: You can schedule and track employee training based on specific chemical risks.
- Emergency Planning: The software helps you build emergency response plans that are tied to real chemical inventory and hazards.
OSHA has stated that “employer shall ensure the written materials are readily accessible to the employees in their work area throughout each work shift.” Chemical safety management software help meet that requirement, and their benefits don’t stop there.
Many of these same tools also support environmental compliance. Here's how chemical safety software can simplify EPA reporting requirements.
How does chemical safety software support EPA reporting?
EPA regulations add another layer of responsibility for facilities that store or use hazardous chemicals. Programs like EPCRA and the Risk Management Program (RMP) require detailed chemical tracking, hazard analysis, and emergency planning.
Chemical safety software helps by keeping real-time data on chemical location, quantities, and usage, all in one centralized system. This makes it easier to generate accurate reports, meet submission deadlines, and maintain compliance without scrambling for paperwork.
If you’re looking for a solution that brings all of these capabilities together in one platform, EHS Insight offers a powerful, purpose-built option.
Why choose EHS Insight for chemical safety management?
Managing hazardous chemicals takes more than binders and spreadsheets. You need a system that helps you stay organized, compliant, and prepared without wasting time or missing critical details. EHS Insight delivers all of that in one powerful, cloud-based platform.
It helps your team manage chemical safety with tools designed to reduce errors, support inspections, and meet OSHA and EPA requirements with confidence.
Some of the most valuable features include:
- SDS Management: Access Safety Data Sheets from any device, online or offline
- Inventory Control: Know what chemicals you have, where they are, and how much is stored
- Labeling Tools: Instantly create GHS-compliant labels with correct pictograms and signal words
- Training Management: Track who’s trained, on what, and when it needs to be updated
You also get customizable workflows for inspections, training, and incident response, plus AI tools like SIF (Serious Injury and Fatality) detection to help you catch risks early. If your operations align with ISO 45001, 14001, or 9001, the platform helps you stay audit-ready with less effort.
Want to spend less time on compliance and more time protecting your people? Schedule a demo today.
FAQ
How do I choose the right chemical safety software for my facility?
Start by identifying your key compliance needs, such as SDS access, labeling, inventory tracking, and training. Look for a system that automates these tasks, supports OSHA and EPA reporting, and offers mobile access for field teams. Tools like audit trails and custom workflows are also helpful for long-term risk management.
Can chemical safety software help with Tier II reporting?
Yes. Many chemical safety systems can automatically generate data needed for Tier II reports under EPCRA. These features help you track storage locations, chemical quantities, and thresholds, making it easier to stay compliant and avoid missed deadlines.
What is the difference between SDS management software and full chemical safety software?
SDS management software focuses only on storing and organizing Safety Data Sheets. Full chemical safety software includes SDS management plus features like labeling, inventory tracking, training logs, and compliance reporting, all in one platform.
Is chemical safety software required by OSHA?
OSHA does not require you to use software, but it allows digital tools for SDS storage and recordkeeping as long as they are accessible to workers during every shift. Software makes it easier to meet HazCom requirements and avoid manual errors.
How often should chemical inventory be updated in the software?
You should update your inventory any time chemicals are added, used, transferred, or disposed of. Best practice is to review inventory monthly and verify it before reporting deadlines or audits.
