In a scenario where SDS indicates a cleaning product can be used in cold or hot water but SOP specifies hot water only, what should management do?

• A. Expediently approve a change to the SOP allowing the use of cold water so that the most current instructions are available
• B. Ignore the SDS and keep using hot water only
• C. Discontinue use of the cleaning product entirely
• D. Ask the vendor for a new SDS with hot water only

Answer: (A)

When safety guidance from the manufacturer and the official operating procedures don’t line up, the right move is to update the procedures to reflect the current guidance. If the SDS says the cleaning product can be used in cold or hot water, management should adjust the SOP so cold water use is allowed. This keeps work practices safe and compliant, ensures staff are following the latest instructions, and prevents confusion during cleaning tasks.

Before making the change, verify there are no compatibility issues or safety concerns with using cold water, and involve the appropriate safety or environmental health team. Then update the SOP, train staff on the new requirement, and document the change with proper approvals.

Choosing to ignore the SDS would violate safety guidance. Discontinuing use of the product across the board is unnecessarily drastic if the product is still appropriate. Asking the vendor for a new SDS, when the current SDS already provides cold and hot water options, isn’t needed.