Safety data sheets contain a wealth of information

Safety data sheets (SDSs) are detailed sources of information for hazardous chemicals. They list a chemical’s hazards, describe how to safely store it, outline first aid measures, and much more.

One reason OSHA requires SDSs to be readily available is so that employees can quickly find emergency and first aid procedures for exposures to the chemical.

A closer look

The SDS contains 16 sections. The information of most use to exposed workers, emergency responders, and others who don’t need extensive technical detail is in the beginning of the SDS. More technical information, such as toxicological data, is located in the later sections. Employees will most likely reference certain sections the most, like the hazard identification, first aid, storage and handling, and exposure controls sections.

Section 1 contains the product identifier, the chemical’s recommended uses, and the supplier’s contact information.

Section 2 identifies the chemical’s hazards and warning information associated with those hazards.

Section 3 lists the product’s ingredients. It also may include trade secret information.

Section 4 provides first aid measures. For example, it may direct a person to flush the eyes or skin for a certain amount of time following an exposure incident.

Will a portable fire extinguisher work to put out a fire involving the chemical, or will employees need a certain type of extinguisher? Section 5 has that information.

Section 6 can help employees avoid injury when there’s a spill or release. Can they simply soak up or sweep up a spill, or do they need to apply a neutralizing agent first?

Section 7, Handling and Storage, helps employees know, for example, when they should avoid using the chemical with other chemicals.

When should employees wear personal protective equipment? Section 8 contains this information.

Section 9 outlines physical and chemical properties such as color, odor, and flash point. 

Section 10 lists the stability and reactivity data – for instance, what happens if a box of the chemical is dropped or if the chemical is exposed to air or water.

Section 11 identifies toxicological and health effects information (i.e., routes of exposure such as inhalation, ingestion, or skin and eye contact).

The information found in Sections 12 to 15 can be useful when it comes time to dispose of, ship, or report the chemical – but OSHA doesn’t mandate these sections. This is because other government agencies regulate these requirements, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Section 16 is required and will have the date the SDS was prepared or last changed. Some suppliers even indicate what changes were made in the last revision.