Safety Data Sheet Requirements
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are the simplest place to learn about the hazards associated with a chemical. Since the UN’s adoption of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), SDS have begun to phase out Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The new SDS contain 16 standardized sections. All SDS must contain the following sections, except for sections 12-15 which are optional:
- Product identification
- Hazard identification
- Chemical composition
- First-aid measures
- Fire-fighting measures
- Accidental release measures
- Handling and storage
- Exposure controls and Personal Protective Equipment
- Physical and chemical properties
- Stability and reactivity
- Toxicological information
- Ecological information
- Disposal considerations
- Transport information
- Regulatory information
- Other information
Manufacturers must provide SDS to the consumer (you) on the first shipment of a chemical order and the order following any changes made to the SDS. SDS are often available on a manufacturer’s website.
A collection of SDS for each chemical present in the workplace must be maintained. This collection of SDS may be printed in a notebook or be found online provided there are no barriers to employee access to the information. If the same chemical is purchased from multiple manufacturers, there must be an SDS for that chemical from each manufacturer in the SDS collection. The SDS should be the most current version for the product in use or in storage.