What Is SDS? An Ultimate Guide to Safety Data Sheets

What Is SDS? An Ultimate Guide to Safety Data Sheets

Summary:

  • Safety Data Sheets are UN-standard safety documents describing a single hazardous material’s characteristics.
  • Free access to SDS is critical for workplace safety.
  • SDS information is very detailed and covers multiple categories: Chemical, toxicological, handling, storage, exposure control, ecological, regulatory and more.

One of the primary challenges of handling hazardous materials is knowing the exact risk levels and potential dangers each substance presents. It isn’t enough to know the name of each product being handled, transported or packed. The fundamentals of chemical safety require precise information and clear, unambiguous labeling. 

While labels and placards are vital, they do not always provide the necessary information for safe handling, transporting or working with hazardous materials. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) informs personnel working with the materials about the potential hazards involved and how to handle, store and transport the goods safely. 

Learn everything you need to know about Safety Data Sheets, how to recognize an SDS, what information you should expect to find in one and how using them can help you improve chemical safety in the workplace.

What Is a Safety Data Sheet

What Is a Safety Data Sheet?

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are standardized documents specified under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). These are a set of internationally-recognized hazmat communication standards managed by the United Nations.

Because the SDS is a UN standard, the United Nations cannot directly enforce its adoption onto its member-states. Instead, the UN recommends each member-state implement the GHS standards through their respective legal or regulatory frameworks.

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the government entity responsible for implementing and managing GHS standards. This includes Safety Data Sheets produced by companies on American soil, under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200).

Under the HCS regulations, any product classified as a hazardous material requires a Safety Data Sheet. The manufacturer or distributor is responsible for producing and updating the SDS. If new safety information about a specific material becomes known, the manufacturer or distributor must update the corresponding SDS within three months.

Who Needs Safety Data Sheets

Who Needs Safety Data Sheets?

Specific categories of people are legally required to maintain an SDS library or database:

  • As per OSHA regulations (Lab Safety Standards, 29 CFR 1910.1450), any laboratory, chemical facility, store or other employers using or storing hazardous materials must make the Safety Data Sheets for each material readily accessible to any employee, student or worker.
  • The Safety Data Sheets must be readily available and accessible from a locally managed database during a work shift, either electronically or in paper format.

How to Find Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets are available from multiple sources, typically free database searching services. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) maintains a list of recommended sources and databases for finding SDS. Other privately-managed, freely-accessible SDS databases and search engines are also available, such as MSDS.com or ChemicalSafety.com.

You can also contact the manufacturer or distributor of a specific product and request a Safety Data Sheet. Some maintain their own SDS database on their website, while others may offer them on request, typically via email or fax.

What Is the Purpose of an SDS

What Is the Purpose of an SDS?

An SDS is a safety document intended to provide detailed safety information on a specific substance or chemical compound. Depending on the age, manufacturer and country of origin, an SDS may be known under an alternative name, such as Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Product Safety Data Sheet (PSDS).

The purpose of an SDS is to answer five fundamental questions about a single compound:

  • What is this product? 
  • Who made this product?
  • What dangers does working with this product pose?
  • How do I safely handle, store or transport this product?
  • What should I do in case of an emergency with this product?

How to Read a Safety Data Sheet

Although each SDS may vary slightly in formatting, each sheet is standardized and must contain 16 precisely labeled and detailed data sections in a specific order:

  • Section 1: Product and manufacturer identification
  • Section 2: Hazards identification
  • Section 3: Chemical composition or ingredient identification
  • Section 4: First aid measures
  • Section 5: Firefighting measures
  • Section 6: Accidental release measures
  • Section 7: Handling and storage instructions
  • Section 8: Exposure control and recommended personal protective equipment
  • Section 9: Physical and chemical properties
  • Section 10: Stability and reactivity
  • Section 11: Toxicological information
  • Section 12: Ecological information
  • Section 13: Disposal methods and considerations
  • Section 14: Transport information and labeling recommendations
  • Section 15: Legal or regulatory information
  • Section 16: Other information
Vermiculite and Packaging Absorbents

Section 1: Product and Manufacturer Identification

Section 1 of a Safety Data Sheet contains essential product identification labels regarding the hazardous substance and its manufacturer. 

Section 1 must include:

  • The product’s name
  • The GHS product identifier (a unique identifiable chemical name, code number, batch number or similar label)
  • Recommended uses for the product (and, if applicable, advice against specific uses)
  • Manufacturer’s name, address and phone numbers (including at least one 24-hour emergency phone number)

Section 1 may also contain additional information, such as product type (e.g., gas, liquid, etc.) or alternative product names. For example, the alternative names of acetylene include acetylen, ethyne, narcylen, C2H2 or UN 1001.

Section 2: Hazards Identification

SDS Section 2 contains the product’s hazardous classifications under the GHS and the local hazmat communication standards. For example, an SDS for a product manufactured in the United States typically features an OSHA/HCS status code and classification number confirming whether this product is considered hazardous by the U.S. government.

This section must also feature all relevant GHS label elements, including diamond GHS pictograms and signal words (e.g., “DANGER”).

For example, on the SDS for sulfuric acid, you may find the following hazard identification:

  • USDOT Class 8 placard - Corrosive
  • GHS Health Hazard pictogram
  • GHS hazard statements: May be corrosive to metals, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, causes serious eye damage

flammable nonflammable toxic corrosive oxidizing

Under the hazard classifications and pictograms, Section 2 also features a list of basic precautionary statements relevant to the product. These precautions are repeated and detailed in later sections of the SDS.

Section 3: Chemical Composition

Section 3 indicates whether the product is a chemical substance (has only one ingredient) or a mixture (has more than one ingredient). It also details the product’s complete chemical name, the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number of each ingredient and their percentage by weight. If the percentage of a specific ingredient is not fixed, a range (e.g., 20-40%) or an estimate (e.g., >98% or ~5%) may be listed instead.

For example, Section 3 of the SDS for vermiculite displays the following:

  • CAS 1318-00-9, Vermiculite (Magnesium Aluminum Iron Silicate), >98%
  • CAS 14808-60-7, Silica, ~1%

Section 4: First Aid Measures

SDS Section 4 details the manufacturer’s recommended first aid measures if the hazardous material makes contact with a person’s skin or eyes or if they inhale or ingest it.

It also lists all applicable acute health effects, signs of overexposure, medical attention and treatment instructions and other important health information. 

Section 5: Firefighting Measures

SDS Section 5 contains information relevant to firefighting in any situation involving this product.

This section details the material’s reactivity to heat or fire, what types of fire or explosion hazards it poses and what types of extinguishable media are suitable (plus, if applicable, which are unsuitable). It also offers information for firefighters, such as the best extinguishing methods or the recommended firefighting PPE.

Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

In the context of the Safety Data Sheet, the term “accidental release” refers to unintended leaks, spills and releases. The section details appropriate spill containment and control measures for this substance.

Depending on the substance and the circumstances, the manufacturer may list multiple appropriate measures. For example, the SDS for a given substance may give separate instructions for trained and untrained personnel, what to do in case of environmental damage or distinct cleaning methods for small and large spills.

Section 7: Handling and Storage Instructions

Section 7 of the SDS contains complete storage instructions and handling precautions. It informs personnel which personal protective equipment is required before handling, which conditions constitute safe storage and whether it requires following specific hygiene instructions.

For example, the SDS for ethylene features a “general, occupational hygiene advice” section. It suggests that personnel do not eat, drink or smoke near this product and always wash hands and face after handling containers.

Section 8: Exposure Control and Recommended PPE

This section details all appropriate exposure controls for this material, both generally and at the individual level.

The first half of this section details all relevant occupational exposure limits (OEL) and how best to protect personnel from exposure. Depending on the substance type, various organizations may define the material’s OELs.

  • For example, acetylene OELs are defined by NIOSH, ACGIH and the California PEL for Chemical Contaminants, recommending an exposure limit of no more than 2500 ppm.

The second half of Section 8 displays a list of recommended hygiene measures and appropriate PPE to wear before handling containers with this product. Some manufacturers may also include PPE pictograms alongside text instructions.

  • For example, the SDS for Pyrodex recommends wearing chemically-resistant gloves, protective clothing, a combination of splash goggles plus a face shield and a NIOSH-approved dust respirator.

Vermiculite

Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties

This section contains detailed chemical information about the hazardous material, similar to the type found in chemistry documentation. In this section, you’ll find various data points, such as chemical state, color, odor, pH, phase transition temperatures (e.g., melting point, boiling point, etc.), flammability, density, solubility, viscosity, molecular weight and more.

Spill Containment and Control Products

Section 10: Stability and Reactivity

SDS Section 10 lists the following properties:

  • Chemical reactivity
  • Chemical stability
  • Hazardous reactions under normal storage conditions (including decomposition products and polymerization)
  • Conditions to avoid for safe storage
  • Materials incompatible with safe storage

Section 11: Toxicological Information

Section 11 details the toxicity types and levels applicable to this hazardous material, according to the following criteria:

  • Acute toxicity (dangers following immediate exposure), including a breakdown by type of contact (ingestion, inhalation, eye contact, skin contact)
  • Irritation or corrosion risks
  • Sensitization (hazards to the skin)
  • Mutagenicity (risks of permanent genetic changes or damage)
  • Carcinogenicity (risks of developing cancer)
  • Reproductive toxicity
  • Teratogenicity (dangers to fetuses)
  • Aspiration hazards
  • Specific target organ toxicity (for single and repeated exposures)

This section also includes numerical toxicity figures (e.g., LD50, LC50, etc.), a complete list of known immediate and delayed effects. These can be side effects from short- or long-term exposure, known potential chronic effects and other toxicological information.

Section 12: Ecological Information

Section 12 details whether this material is hazardous to the environment. It includes ecological toxicity figures, ecological persistence and degradability, mobility in soil and other adverse effects.

For example, the SDS for DDT, a well-known insecticide, advises against releasing into the environment due to its high toxicity potential on the environment and wildlife. These factors led to the EPA banning it in 1972.

Section 13: Disposal Methods

SDS Section 13 contains information on safely disposing of the product or its packaging. Some products require no particular instructions, simply recommending disposal of the material “in a safe manner in accordance with local regulations.” Others may feature special instructions (e.g., “Should not be allowed to enter drains, watercourses, or the soil.”)

Section 14: Transport Information

SDS Section 14 details critical information related to transporting and shipping this product (e.g., via a commercial truck with a hazmat endorsement).

This section typically includes the following:

  • Name or abbreviation of the corresponding transporting authority (e.g., Department of Transportation)
  • The product’s UN number
  • The product’s UN proper shipping name
  • Relevant transport hazard classes and placards (e.g., CFR 49 Class 2 placard for flammable gases)
  • UN Packing groups
  • UN environmental hazard codes

Often, this section comes in the form of a table, with one column dedicated for each relevant transportation authority (e.g., USDOT, Canada TDG, Mexico NOM, IMDG, IATA). Companies can use the information contained in this section to fill out shipping documentation, such as an IATA Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods Form.

safety data sheet

Section 15: Legal and Regulatory Information

SDS Section 15 contains information regarding the material’s legal and regulatory status. Typically, the information lists which U.S. state and federal regulations cover this product (e.g., Clean Air Act, DEA List, SARA classification, etc.), alongside a selection of relevant international laws (e.g., Montreal Protocol, Chemical Weapon Convention List, etc.).

For example, the SDS for acetylene will specify its status as a federally regulated flammable substance under the Clean Air Act (section 112).

Section 16: Other Information

Section 16 covers the sheet’s latest dates of printing and revision and any details or information not found in the previous sections. There are no specific rules or requirements for this section. It may include any additional information the manufacturer judged necessary to have on the SDS.

Most American manufacturers add the material’s ratings under the Hazardous Materials Information System (HMIS), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) diamond or both. Although these standards are not internationally recognized, they are commonly used in the United States.

Follow Safe Storage and Packing Practices with Air Sea Containers

Air Sea Containers is your partner for packing, storing and shipping hazardous materials. Browse our wide selection of UN-rated packing containers and materials compliant with OSHA regulations and other national and international regulatory bodies. We also offer a comprehensive selection of hazmat labels and placards for easy identification.

 

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