Safety Data Sheets
The safety data sheet (SDS) is used to communicate chemical hazard information from the manufacturer to the employee. It provides the necessary details to inform and train employees on the safe handling and use of hazardous chemicals.
SDS Top 10 Things to Know
Who Must Have Them?
The chemical manufacturer or importer must ensure that the safety data sheet is in English (although the employer may maintain copies in other languages as well), and includes at least the following section numbers and headings, and associated information under each heading, in the order listed. Open the link below to review a brief summary of the 16 sections within the SDS.
- Chemical manufacturers and importers must obtain or develop a SDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or import.
- Employers who mix chemicals that interact might be classified as manufacturers and are therefore required to develop a SDS for the new chemical. If the chemicals in the mixture do not interact, the employer may be able to use the existing SDSs for each chemical in the mixture. Check with OSHA if you have questions about mixing chemicals in your workplace.
- All employers must have a SDS in the workplace for each hazardous chemical they use.
Open the link below to review a brief summary of the 16 sections within the SDS.
- Identification: Information about the chemical, including its name, manufacturer, supplier, recommended uses, and restrictions.
- Hazard(s) Identification: Details of the hazards the chemical presents, including hazard classification, label elements, and any hazard statements.
- Composition/Information on Ingredients: Information on the chemical's composition, including substances, mixtures, and all known ingredients.
- First-Aid Measures: First-aid measures for different types of exposure (inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion).
- Fire-Fighting Measures: Recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical, including suitable extinguishing techniques and equipment, and chemical hazards from fire.
- Accidental Release Measures: Guidelines on how to respond to spills, leaks, or releases, including containment and cleanup practices.
- Handling and Storage: Safe handling practices and storage conditions for the chemical.
- Exposure Controls/Personal Protection: Exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations.
- Physical and Chemical Properties: The chemical's characteristics like appearance, odor, pH, boiling point, flash point, etc.
- Stability and Reactivity: Information on chemical stability and potential reactions.
- Toxicological Information: Types of toxic effects (signs and symptoms) the chemical can cause and related data.
- Ecological Information: Effects the chemical might have on the environment, including toxicity to aquatic life and persistence in the environment.
- Disposal Considerations: Guidelines for the proper disposal of the chemical and its container.
- Transport Information: Information about shipping the chemical, including its hazard class and any transport restrictions.
- Regulatory Information: Information about the laws and regulations applicable to the chemical.
- Other Information: Any other relevant information such as the date of the latest SDS revision and where to find additional information about the chemical.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-1. Who is responsible for obtaining or developing a safety data sheet (SDS) for each hazardous chemical they produce or import?
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