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705 Hazard Communication Program
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GHS Safety Data Sheet Sections

Section 9. Physical and Chemical Properties

This section identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture. The minimum required information consists of:
• Appearance (physical state, color, etc.);
• Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits;
• Odor;
• Vapor pressure;
• Odor threshold;
• Vapor density;
• pH; • Relative density;
• Melting point/freezing point;
• Solubility(ies);
• Initial boiling point and boiling range;
• Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water;
• Flash point;
• Auto-ignition temperature;
• Evaporation rate;
• Decomposition temperature; and
• Flammability (solid, gas);
• Viscosity.
The SDS may not contain every item on the above list because information may not be relevant or is not available. When this occurs, a notation to that effect must be made for that chemical property. Manufacturers may also add other relevant properties, such as the dust deflagration index (Kst) for combustible dust, used to evaluate a dust’s explosive potential.

Section 10. Stability and Reactivity

This section describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability information. This section is broken into three parts: reactivity, chemical stability, and other. The required information consists of:

Reactivity

  • Description of the specific test data for the chemical(s). This data can be for a class or family of the chemical if such data adequately represent the anticipated hazard of the chemical(s), where available.

Chemical Stability

  • Indication of whether the chemical is stable or unstable under normal ambient temperature and conditions while in storage and being handled.
  • Description of any stabilizers that may be needed to maintain chemical stability.
  • Indication of any safety issues that may arise should the product change in physical appearance.

Other

  • Indication of the possibility of hazardous reactions, including a statement whether the chemical will react or polymerize, which could release excess pressure or heat, or create other hazardous conditions. Also, a description of the conditions under which hazardous reactions may occur.
  • List of all conditions that should be avoided (e.g., static discharge, shock, vibrations, or environmental conditions that may lead to hazardous conditions).
  • List of all classes of incompatible materials (e.g., classes of chemicals or specific substances) with which the chemical could react to produce a hazardous situation.
  • List of any known or anticipated hazardous decomposition products that could be produced because of use, storage, or heating. (Hazardous combustion products should also be included in Section 5 (Fire-Fighting Measures) of the SDS.)

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-5. Which SDS section describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability information?