Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

There are sixteen (16) sections in a Safety Data Sheet and must be in the same set order.

The important sections to read are Sections 2, 4, 8 and 11. These sections will provide you with important information on:

The ways this material could affect your health.
What you must do to use this product safely (i.e., what protective clothing to wear).
What first-aid is necessary should something go wrong.

Referring to the SDS is the safest way to learn how to use, handle and store hazardous material.

Section 1 – Identification

Provides the name of the product, supplier information and recommended use and restrictions on use.

Section 2 – Hazard Identification

Lists the hazard classification (class and category) of the substance or mixture or a description of the identified hazard.

Section 3 – Composition / Information on Ingredients

Lists the chemical name, common name and synonyms and concentration of ingredients or mixtures.

Section 4 – First-aid Measures

Explains the first-aid measures by route of exposure: inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, and ingestion. As well as most the important symptoms/effects.

Section 5 – Fire-fighting Measures

Lists the specific hazards arising from the hazardous product and how to safely extinguish. Lists specific precautions for fire fighters.

Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures

Describes personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures and methods/materials for containment and clean up.

Section 7 – Handling and Storage

Lists the precautions for safe handling, conditions for storage, including any incompatibilities.

Section 8 – Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

Deals with appropriate engineering controls and individual protection measures (PPE).

Section 9 – Physical and Chemical Properties

Describes the product’s physical characteristics such as whether it is a gas, a liquid, or a solid, its colour and appearance, its pH melting/freezing point and range, flashpoint, and upper and lower flammable or explosive limits.

Section 10 – Stability and Reactivity

Describes the product’s reactivity, possibility of hazardous reactions, conditions to avoid, and incompatible materials.

Section 11 – Toxicological Information

Provides complete description of the various toxic health effects by route of entry, including effects of acute (short term) or chronic (long term) exposure, carcinogenicity, reproductive efforts, respiratory sensitization and the data used to identify those effects.

Section 12 – Ecological Information

Lists other adverse effects: aquatic and terrestrial toxicity (where available).

Section 13 – Disposal Considerations

Deals with information on the safe handling for disposal and methods of disposal, including waste packaging.

Section 14 – Transport Information

Provides shipping labelling and special precautions.

Section 15 – Regulatory Information

Lists the safety, health and environmental regulations specific to the product.

Section 16 – Other Information

Provides the date of the latest revision of the SDS.