4 Things OSHA Wants You To Know About SDS

What Does SDS Stand For

SDS stands for “Safety Data Sheet”, and a Safety Data Sheet is a document summarizing the potential health effects, chemical make-up, storage, use, handling, safe work practices and emergency procedures related to hazardous materials.

A SDS is Presented in a 16 Section Format

A SDS is presented in a user-friendly, 16-section format and is not meant to be complicated. It is, however, indispensable; very few things are more important than knowing the hazards of a material before you start using it. Because they are prepared by the manufacturer, the SDS is much more informative and detailed than the label on containers.

SDSs inform you of the following things:

• the material’s chemical make-up;
• the material’s properties and/or fast-acting health effects that could make it potentially dangerous to handle;
• the types of protective gear you will need to wear to work safely with the material;
• the first aid treatment information required when someone is exposed to the material; and
• how you should respond to accidents.

Unlike the old Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), SDSs are separated into 16 sections in an effort to make them easier to follow. Sections 1 through 8 typically include information about the chemical, hazards, composition, emergency control measures, safe handling practices, and identification of the material. Other technical and scientific information is contained in Sections 9 through 11 and 16. These sections refer to chemical and physical properties, reactivity information, toxicological information, and other important and relevant information. Finally, Sections 12 through 15 are included in an effort to remain consistent with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA will typically not enforce the content housed in these sections, as they are matters which are handled by other agencies.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that SDSs are sent by all chemical manufacturers to purchasers.

If you’re working with SDS materials, OSHA advises you to:

1. Understand what an SDS is, the information it should include and how it relates to your health and safety – and make sure your employees understand these things as well;
2. Know how to access the SDSs for your particular work area;
3. Be sure that all SDSs are readily accessible to employees;
4. Retain all SDSs that come in with chemical shipments.

Need Help? Call us at 800-936-2311

Despite this new format, SDSs can occasionally be hard to make sense of. Hazardous Waste Experts can assist you with this, as well as advise you on your specific situation.  For further assistance, contact Hazardous Waste Experts today at 800-936-2311 to speak with an expert.