The purpose of a safety data sheet (SDS) is to provide vital information on how to store, handle, use, and dispose of chemicals correctly. It can help anyone working with hazardous substances to understand the specific risks posed by certain chemicals.
Many chemicals are hazardous in some way, for example, they might be corrosive, toxic, explosive, or carcinogenic. It’s therefore essential to read and understand the SDS before working with any kind of hazardous chemical. This will help to reduce the risk of an accident, injury or environmental damage.
Read on to learn more about exactly what a safety data sheet is, the type of information it contains, and how to access them.
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What Is A Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
A safety data sheet, or SDS, is a technical document that contains specific information about a particular chemical, substance, compound, mixture, or product in a container. It’s also known as a material safety data sheet (MSDS) or product safety data sheet (PSDS).
Safety data sheets include details about the chemical’s composition as well as the health and environmental hazards it poses. Alongside this, they contain occupational safety instructions and advice on managing spillages. This helps to ensure that anyone handling or using the substance can do so safely. Crucially, an SDS also provides vital information about how to apply first aid if someone inhales, ingests or comes into contact with the chemical.
Older safety data sheet formats vary depending on the source and statutory requirements. However, the new internationally standardised SDS format, as documented in the ANSI Standard Z400, is arranged into 16 key sections.
Here is an example of the first page of a safety data sheet for crude oil:
What does a safety data sheet provide information on?
A safety data sheet provides comprehensive information on the chemical composition, health and environmental hazards, safety instructions for handling and storage, and first aid and emergency protocols.
Safety data sheets aren’t really designed for use by the general public. Rather, they usually focus on the hazards posed by chemicals in an occupational setting such as a laboratory or a factory.
The main areas covered in an SDS are summarised below:
1. Chemical type
Chemicals are identified based on their chemical composition and product identifier. The product identifier also stipulates what the chemical is used for. For example, crude oil is used for refining purposes, which means it requires further processing.
2. Chemical hazards
The United Nations has developed a standardisation system for identifying chemical hazards. The classifications are included in the Globally Harmonised System, which helps to avoid confusion among international manufacturers and traders.
Aside from descriptions, pictograms are also standardised. Chemical hazards can be classified into several categories such as corrosive, flammable, explosive, toxic, and carcinogenic. See the diagram below.
3. Safe handling instructions
The safe handling instructions include information on how to properly transport and use the chemical safely. They also contain guidance on maintaining the right ambient temperature and other environmental factors.
Alongside this, you’ll find warnings about other substances that may potentially react with the chemical you’re handling. You can read more about how to handle hazardous chemicals here.
4. Safe storage
Some chemicals such as corrosive acids and bases need to be stored in inert containers like plastic and glass bottles. The temperature, location, and type of cabinet must also be compatible with the chemicals.
The safety data sheet tells you how to store hazardous substances safely to minimise the risk of harm to individuals, property and the environment.
5. Emergency measures
Emergency measures include first aid, firefighting, containment, and clean-up instructions. Depending on the type of chemical involved, it may be necessary to neutralise a spillage or add other chemicals to render it non-harmful.
Who is responsible for providing safety data sheets?
Chemical manufacturers, sellers, and distributors are required by law to provide safety data sheets. They’re typically included in the chemical’s packaging but they can also be viewed on the manufacturer’s website. You can download the safety data sheets for every chemical we supply here.
While anyone can access safety data sheets online, these documents aren’t really intended for the general public. They’re primarily designed to be used by anyone working with chemicals in an occupational setting, although they can also be used for research purposes.
What products require a safety data sheet?
All chemicals that pose a potential health or environmental hazard are required to have safety data sheets. This includes chemicals that are corrosive, toxic, flammable, explosive, and carcinogenic. Both oxidising and pressurised gases also need an accompanying SDS.
In addition to the safety data sheet, hazardous products must have corresponding symbols that immediately show what type of hazard they pose. As these symbols are standardised, anyone who is properly oriented with them will instantly be able to identify the potential hazard.
Updating safety data sheets
To help minimise the risk and keep everyone safe, safety data sheets must be updated regularly. Manufacturers, large-scale distributors and resellers, importers and employees are all required to record and update any new information in their inventories.
The SDS and labels must be updated every six months or whenever new information about the chemical is published in scientific papers or by the regulatory authorities.
Where to find safety data sheets for chemicals
Safety data sheets are usually enclosed in the chemical’s packaging. Some manufacturers also include an email attachment in the order confirmation. If you still can’t find the SDS, you can download a copy from the manufacturer’s website. You can find our MSDS here.
How long is a safety data sheet valid for?
Although chemical safety data sheets need to be regularly reviewed and modified, in most cases, no major updates are normally required. This effectively means an SDS can be valid for up to five years or as long as the chemical has not passed the expiration date on the label.
Summary
Chemical safety data sheets are technical documents that provide comprehensive information about the composition of manufactured chemicals and the hazards they pose. An SDS includes occupational instructions to help ensure chemicals are handled, stored and used correctly. They also contain details of emergency measures relating to first aid, spillages and firefighting. Always make sure you’ve read and understood the relevant safety data sheet before working with any kind of hazardous chemical.
