Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) audits aren’t just formalities—they’re essential for maintaining a safe, legally compliant, and efficient work environment. These audits evaluate how effectively a company manages risks related to chemical use, waste handling, employee safety, and its overall environmental footprint. 

Manufacturing facilities deal with a range of daily challenges—from managing production workflows to handling hazardous materials. On top of that, meeting regulatory requirements and preparing for EHS audits can be equally demanding. One critical component of chemical safety compliance is maintaining accurate and up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). These documents not only help ensure that hazard information is accessible but also serve as proof of proper safety practices. However, simply having an SDS database isn’t always enough. To stay truly audit-ready, manufacturers need a coordinated and proactive approach to managing and using their SDSs effectively. 

Preparing for an EHS audit involves specific steps, and modern SDS solutions can make this process smoother. But how do they help? To discover, continue reading.  

 

EHS Audit: What Manufacturers Need to Know 

An EHS audit is a structured review process used to evaluate how well a facility is following environmental, health, and safety regulations. For such audits, manufacturing companies can rely on either internal teams or external experts. Internal audits are usually conducted by the company’s own safety professionals. External audits, on the other hand, are carried out by independent EHS consultants. 

 

Areas EHS Audits Focus on 

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) audits help ensure that manufacturing facilities are following all necessary safety and environmental rules. These audits usually look at a few important areas: 

 

1. Chemical Management: 

Auditors check if all chemicals are clearly labeled, stored safely, and properly documented. This helps prevent accidents and makes sure everyone knows what they are handling. 

 

2. Worker Safety: 

The audit reviews whether employees are trained to work safely with chemicals and if they have the right protective equipment. The goal is to keep workers safe from harm. 

 

 3. Waste Disposal: 

 Auditors make sure that hazardous waste is being disposed of correctly and in line with both local and national laws. This prevents pollution and legal issues. 

 

4. Environmental Impact:

Auditors also assess how a facility affects the environment. This includes checking factors like water usage and the release of harmful gases or pollutants. Companies are expected to actively reduce their environmental footprint by following sustainable practices and meeting environmental regulations. 

 

Key Audit Documents Include: 

  • Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) 
  • Chemical inventory records 
  • Risk assessments 
  • Employee training logs 

What is a Standard EHS Audit Checklist? 

 A manufacturing facility should include the following information in their audit checklist. 

✅Hazard Communication:  

Availability and accuracy of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), chemical labels, and signage. 

✅Employee Training:  

Records of training on chemical handling, PPE use, and emergency procedures. 

✅Emergency Preparedness: 

Location and accessibility of emergency exits, fire alarms, extinguishers, and evacuation plans. 

✅Waste Management:  

Procedures for hazardous waste disposal, storage areas, and documentation. 

✅Facility Safety:  

Inspections of electrical wiring, ventilation, equipment safety guards, and general housekeeping. 

✅Legal Compliance: 

List of applicable regulations required permits, and compliance status. 

 

How to Use SDS Solutions for an Effective EHS Audit? 

 Here’s how it supports successful EHS audits: 

  1. Centralized Chemical Inventory

A good SDS solution offers a digital platform where all SDSs are stored and categorized. Manufacturers can quickly generate a list of chemicals on-site, sorted by product name, CAS number, or location. 

Benefit for Audits: 

  • Auditors can see that you have complete and current records. 
  • No more scrambling through paper binders or spreadsheets. 

 

  1. Automatic SDS Updates

Many SDS platforms automatically retrieve the latest versions of SDSs from suppliers or trusted databases. They alert you when a chemical’s safety sheet has been revised. 

Benefit for Audits: 

  • Ensures you’re always working with the latest hazard classifications and handling instructions. 
  • Helps maintain compliance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard and GHS guidelines. 

 

  1. Real-Time Reporting Tools

Audit preparation becomes faster when you can generate reports in just a few clicks. SDS software often includes tools to export chemical inventory reports, compliance checklists, or usage summaries. 

Benefit for Audits: 

  • Cuts down the time spent preparing documents. 
  • Ensures consistency and accuracy in reporting. 

 

  1. Accessibility Across Departments

SDS management systems can be accessed by EHS managers, supervisors, and workers across different departments and locations. This ensures that everyone is working with the same set of safety documents. 

Benefit for Audits: 

  • Demonstrates that safety data is communicated clearly throughout the organization. 
  • Enhances transparency and reduces the risk of non-compliance due to misinformation. 

 

  1. Employee Training and Reference

Some SDS platforms come with integrated training modules or links to safety videos and hazard symbols. This makes it easier to train new employees and keep existing workers informed. 

Benefit for Audits: 

  • Proves that the workforce has been trained in chemical hazards and safe handling procedures. 
  • Helps maintain proper documentation of safety training. 

 

  1. Mobile and Offline Access

SDS solutions with mobile compatibility allow access to chemical information on the shop floor or in the field. Some even offer offline modes for use in areas without internet access. 

Benefit for Audits: 

  • Shows that critical safety information is always accessible—during emergencies or inspections. 

 

  1. Version Control and Audit Trails

A powerful SDS management system keeps a detailed log of all document changes. It includes details like who made the updates, when they occurred, and what changes were made. This version control ensures traceability and accountability. 

Benefit for Audits: 

  • Provides auditors with a transparent history of safety document updates. 
  • Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining accurate and verifiable chemical safety records. 
  • Helps quickly resolve discrepancies or questions during the audit process. 

 

Conclusion 

EHS audits can be demanding, but the right tools can turn them into opportunities for growth and improvement. An effective and powerful SDS management solution empowers manufacturers to maintain continuous compliance by streamlining chemical data organization, automating document updates, and enabling quick access to real-time reports. Beyond audit readiness, SDS software helps create a proactive safety culture—protecting employees, minimizing risks, and fostering operational excellence. Choosing the right SDS solution isn’t just a compliance measure; it’s a strategic step toward a safer, more efficient, and future-ready workplace.