Safety Data Sheets for Coffee
For Green and Roasted Coffee
The NCA has developed Safety Data Sheets for both green and roasted coffee beans to provide important safety information to member companies that physically handle, store, transport, and/or process green and roasted coffee beans in manufacturing and production facilities. Being familiar with and understanding the safety information contained within an SDS and how it applies to each manufacturing or production operation working with green or roasted coffee beans can help strengthen workplace safety programs.
The NCA Safety Data Sheets for green and roasted copies are available for free and were made exclusively for NCA Members. Not a member? Join today.
Safety Data Sheet FAQs
- What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a standardized information sheet regulated by the U.S. government* that provides information on the safety-related properties of a substance, such as its physical, health, and environmental hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the substance, such as coffee in an industrial setting. Safety Data Sheets are primarily intended to inform protective measures for individuals who may be exposed to a potentially hazardous chemical or substance during the course of work activities.
*Regulated under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g))
- Why does my coffee business need a Safety Data Sheet?
The U.S. government’s regulations* require employers to keep Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on file for any hazardous substance used or stored in the workplace. Since handling green or roasted coffee in an industrial setting can pose potential hazards to workers, coffee businesses that physically handle, process, package and/or store green or roasted coffee should have the SDS documents available to workers. SDS must be readily accessible to those who may be exposed to the substance(s).
*Regulated under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g))
- How do I access the Safety Data Sheets?
The Safety Data Sheets on green and roasted coffee are available to NCA members as a member-exclusive benefit.
Access the Safety Data Sheet for Green Coffee
Access the Safety Data Sheet for Roasted Coffee
- Why did the National Coffee Association (NCA) develop Safety Data Sheets for green and roasted coffee?
The NCA developed Safety Data Sheets to provide important safety information to member companies who physically handle, store, transport, and/or process green and roasted coffee beans in manufacturing and production facilities. Being familiar with and understanding the safety information contained within an SDS and how it applies to each manufacturing or production operation working with green or roasted coffee beans can help strengthen workplace safety programs. These SDS can also assist companies with regulatory compliance requirements in the US.
- How can my coffee business use the Safety Data Sheets?
A coffee business that handles, stores, transports, and/or processes green and/or roasted coffee beans will want to download an SDS, read through it, and think through how the safety information it contains may apply to their coffee business’ operation (for the purposes of worker protection). A business should make the SDS available to employees. The SDS may bring to light potential risks/hazards which require assessment and control in the workplace. Environmental Health and Safety professionals or Industrial Hygienists can offer support assessing workplace hazards and strengthening safety programs when this expertise is required.
- Is an SDS needed for coffee packaged for the consumer?
An SDS is not needed for coffee that is already packaged into finished consumer form. An SDS should be available when handling green or roasted coffee in an industrial setting prior to it being filled into finished consumer packaging. SDS documents are intended for workers and employers, not consumers.
- How do I learn more about this topic? For more workplace safety resources, visit the National Coffee Association Workplace Safety Resource Center. There are also a number of other great resources to help you learn more about Safety Data Sheets and handling green and roasted coffee in a business setting safely, including OSHA.