Safety Data Sheets

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical manufacturers and importers to: Assess the chemicals they produce or import Provide hazard information to companies and workers by putting labels on containers and preparing safety data sheets (SDSs)

An SDS gives workers detailed information about the hazards of a specific material and how to control those hazards. SDSs are divided into 16 sections of HCS-required information.

The SDS format provides a standardized format for classifying chemicals according to their health and physical hazards and specifies hazard communication elements for labeling and SDSs. The information on an SDS must be in English, although it can be in other languages in addition to English.

Your company’s HCS Program must include procedures for having an SDS for each chemical and making them available for workers.

SDSs must be located in the area where the hazardous substances will be used and easily accessible for all workers. All workers and contractors who could be exposed to the chemical must know where SDSs are located.

Make sure you read a chemical’s SDS before you use that chemical.

The 16 sections of the SDS include: Identification 2. Hazard(s) Identification 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients 4. First Aid Measures 5. Firefighting Measures 6. Accidental Release 7. Handling and Storage 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection 9. Physical and Chemical Properties 10. Stability and Reactivity 11. Toxicological Information 12. Ecological Information 13. Disposal Considerations 14. Transport Information 15. Regulatory Information 16. Other Information

Section 1 gives the product identifier, manufacturer, importer, or responsible party, address, phone number, emergency phone number, and the chemical’s recommended use, including any restrictions.

Section 2 identifies the chemical hazards and required label parts Section 2 identifies the chemical hazards and required label parts. Here you will see pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and symbolic labels, such as the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 704 label.

Section 3 details a chemical’s ingredients, including any trade secrets.

Section 4 identifies the chemical’s exposure symptoms and effects, including required first aid treatment. Check this section when you need to know basic first aid for a chemical.

Section 5 identifies what hazards are created when the chemical is burning and lists proper extinguishing equipment and methods.

Section 6 lists emergency procedures, including personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and proper containment and cleanup methods.

Section 7 lists the precautions for workers to follow for the safe handling and storage of the chemical and identifies any chemical incompatibilities. Look in this section to make sure a chemical can safely be stored near another chemical.

Section 8 lists the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) permissible exposure limits (PELs), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists’ (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV), and identifies appropriate engineering controls and PPE.

Section 9 details the chemical’s physical and chemical properties, such as its color, odor, flash point, and density.

Section 10 identifies the chemical’s stability and the possibility of hazardous reactions.

Section 11 identifies the chemical’s toxicity level and the different routes of exposure. This section also details any signs and symptoms of exposure, including any acute or chronic effects.

Section 12 provides information to assess the environmental impact of the chemical if it were released into the environment.

Section 13 provides guidance for proper disposal, recycling, and reclamation practices.

Section 14 provides guidance on classification information for shipping and transporting the chemical.

Section 15 identifies safety, health, and environmental regulations specific for the chemical that are not indicated elsewhere on the SDS.

Section 16 identifies the preparation or last revision date of the chemical’s SDS.

SDSs give workers detailed information on the hazards of the chemicals they work around and how to control those hazards. SDSs must be located in the area where the hazardous substances will be used and easily accessible for all workers. Always read a chemical’s SDS before you use that chemical.