Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
The HCS requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, and importers to provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each classified chemical to downstream users in order to communicate information about these hazards.
SAFETY DATA SHEETS
A SDS details important information about a specific chemical, including its hazards, safe handling, storage, and emergency measures.
Each SDS is created by the chemical manufacturer or importer, and follows a standardized 16-section format that must be written in English. Below is a summary of the information within each of the 16 sections of the SDS.
- Identification: Describes the product name, manufacturer, and emergency contact information.
- Hazard(s) Identification: Lists the chemical’s hazards, warning labels, and hazard classification (e.g., flammable, toxic).
- Composition/Information on Ingredients: Details the chemical ingredients, including any hazardous components and their concentrations.
- First-Aid Measures: Explains what to do if someone is exposed to the chemical (inhalation, skin contact, etc.).
- Fire-Fighting Measures: Provides guidance on extinguishing fires involving the chemical, including suitable extinguishers and hazards.
- Accidental Release Measures: Describes how to safely clean up spills or leaks to prevent injury or environmental harm.
- Handling and Storage: Covers safe practices for using and storing the chemical to avoid accidents or degradation.
- Exposure Controls / Personal Protection: Recommends protective equipment (PPE) and exposure limits to reduce risk.
- Physical and Chemical Properties: Lists key properties like appearance, odor, boiling point, and flammability.
- Stability and Reactivity: Describes chemical stability and conditions or materials to avoid.
- Toxicological Information: Summarizes health effects and routes of exposure (e.g., inhalation, ingestion).
- Ecological Information: Offers data on the chemical’s impact on the environment (aquatic life, persistence).
- Disposal Considerations: Provides guidelines for proper and safe chemical disposal.
- Transport Information: Includes shipping classification, hazards in transit, and UN number.
- Regulatory Information: Lists safety, health, and environmental regulations specific to the product.
- Other Information: Includes SDS revision date, preparation date, and any additional notes.
The information contained in the SDS must be in English (although OSHA encourages employers to provide SDSs in other languages as well). OSHA requires that SDS preparers provide specific minimum information as detailed in Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.1200.
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7-5. In what language must the SDS information be written?
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