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705 Hazard Communication Program
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705 Hazard Communication Program

The SDS Form

Let's review the SDS form itself. The chemical manufacturer or importer preparing the safety data sheet must ensure that it is written in English. The employer may maintain copies in other languages as well.

Wall mounted basket for Safety Data Sheets in a binder
Keep SDSs in a binder that is easy to find.

The SDS must include the information specified in 1910.1200, Appendix D.

  • Sections 1-11 and 16 are mandatory.
  • Sections 12-15 are not mandatory, but may be included in the SDS.
  • If no relevant information is found for any given subheading within a section, the SDS must clearly indicate that no applicable information is available.

GHS Safety Data Sheet Sections

Section 1: Identification

This section identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides the essential contact information of the supplier. The required information consists of:

  • Product identifier used on the label and any other common names or synonyms by which the substance is known.
  • Name, address, phone number of the manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party, and emergency phone number.
  • Recommended use of the chemical (e.g., a brief description of what it actually does, such as flame retardant) and any restrictions on use (including recommendations given by the supplier).

Section 2. Hazards Identification

This section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards. The required information consists of:

  • The hazard classification of the chemical (e.g., flammable liquid, category).
  • Signal word.
  • Hazard statement(s).
  • Pictograms (the pictograms or hazard symbols may be presented as graphical reproductions of the symbols in black and white or be a description of the name of the symbol (e.g., skull and crossbones, flame).
  • Precautionary statement(s).
  • Description of any hazards not otherwise classified.
  • For a mixture that contains an ingredient(s) with unknown toxicity, a statement describing how much (percentage) of the mixture consists of ingredient(s) with unknown acute toxicity. Please note that this is a total percentage of the mixture and not tied to the individual ingredient(s).

Click here for an explanation of the hazard categories for GHS identification and labeling.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-2. In which section of an SDS would you find the manufacturer or supplier information?

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