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Sixteen SDS sections simplified

Introduction

A hazardous chemical’s safety data sheet (SDS) is the detailed source of information for that chemical prepared in accordance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200. It provides information to workers and employers — what the chemical looks and smells like, the hazards, how to store it, and how to dispose of it — which can help establish appropriate protective measures.

Background

The Hazard Communication Standard requires that the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor provide SDSs for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information on these hazards. The information contained in the SDS is required to be in a consistent, 16-section format.

SDS format

The SDS includes information for many different audiences — employers, workers, safety and health professionals, emergency responders, government agencies, and consumers. The SDS sections have generally been organized so that the information of most use to exposed workers, emergency responders, and others who do not need extensive technical detail is in the beginning of the SDS, while the more technical information most commonly read by health and safety professionals is located in the later sections.

OSHA does not enforce the content of Sections 12-15 because they concern matters handled by other agencies, such as the Department of Transportation (DOT).

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.

Section 2. Hazard(s) identification

  • This section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards.

Section 3. Composition/Ingredients

  • This section identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated on the SDS, including impurities and stabilizing additives. It includes information on substances, mixtures, and all chemicals where a trade secret is claimed.

Section 4. First-aid measures

  • This section describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an individual who has been exposed to the chemical.

Section 5. Fire-fighting measures

  • This section provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical.

Section 6. Accidental release measures

  • This section provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks, or releases, including containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, properties, or the environment. It may also include recommendations distinguishing between responses for large and small spills where the spill volume has a significant impact on the hazard.

Section 7. Handling and storage

  • This section provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of chemicals.

Section 8. Exposure control/personal protection

  • This section indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure.

Section 9. Physical and chemical properties

  • This section identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture.

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.

Section 11. Toxicological information

  • This section identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates that such data are not available.

Section 12. Ecological information

  • This section provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the chemical(s) if it were released to the environment.

Section 13. Disposal considerations

  • This section provides guidance on proper disposal practices, recycling, or reclamation of the chemical(s) or its container, and safe handling practices. To minimize exposure, this section also should refer the reader to Section 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) of the SDS.

Section 14. Transport information

  • This section provides guidance on classification information for shipping and transporting of hazardous chemical(s) by road, air, rail, or sea.

Section 15. Regulatory information

  • This section identifies the safety, health, and environmental regulations specific for the product that is not indicated anywhere else on the SDS.

Section 16. Other information

  • This section indicates when the SDS was prepared or when the last known revision was made.

Applicable laws & regulations

29 CFR 1910.1200 — Hazard Communication

29 CFR 1910.1200, Appendix D — Safety Data Sheets

42 U.S.C. 11021 — Material Safety Data Sheets

40 CFR 355 — Emergency Planning and Notification

40 CFR 370 — Hazardous Chemical Reporting: Community Right-to-Know

Related definitions

Extremely hazardous substance (EHS): A substance listed in Appendices A and B of 40 CFR 355.

Hazardous chemical: Any hazardous chemical as defined under 1910.1200(c), with exceptions listed at 370.66 and subparagraph 1910.1200(b)(6).

Safety data sheet (SDS): The sheet required to be developed under 1910.1200(g).

Key to remember

A hazardous chemical’s SDS is the detailed source of information on that chemical and provides information that can help employers and workers establish appropriate protective measures.

Real world example

The Hazard Communication Standard requires that:

  • Chemical manufacturers or importers obtain or develop an SDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or import.
  • Distributors are responsible for providing SDSs to other distributors and employers with their initial shipment and with the first shipment after an SDS is updated.
  • SDSs be provided in English although an employer may offer them in other languages as well.
  • SDSs must be readily accessible to employees during each work shift.
  • Communicate hazard information to employees through proper labels, SDSs, and formal training programs.

Section 311 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and EPA regulation 40 CFR 370 require facilities that are required to keep SDSs to submit copies of these data sheets or a list of these chemicals to state and local officials and local fire departments under certain conditions. This information helps states and communities develop a broad perspective of chemical hazards for the entire community, as well as individual facilities. It also helps local fire departments better understand what is needed to fight a fire or chemical release at a covered facility.