Safety Data Sheets (SDS) list 16 set sections in the Globally Harmonised System (GHS). This guide shows what each part does, from identifying the chemical, to safe use, storage, transport, and disposal. Knowing these parts keeps workplaces safe, meets the law, and helps teams react fast in an emergency.
What Are the Sections of an SDS?
Under Australia’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, every Safety Data Sheet must follow the same 16-section format, keeping hazard and safety information clear and consistent. Each section covers key details about chemical products, helping you find the needed information quickly, whether for daily tasks or in emergencies. Below is a full breakdown of these 16 sections:
| Section | Purpose | Contents | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Identification | Tells you what the substance is and who supplies it, so you can confirm you have the right chemical and contact the supplier quickly in an emergency. |
-Product name and identifiers -Supplier or manufacturer name, address, phone number -Emergency contact number -Recommended use and restrictions |
-Always check this first to avoid using the wrong product. -Keep supplier contacts accessible in case of spills or exposure incidents. |
| 2. Hazard Identification | Lists the main hazards and risks, so you understand how dangerous it is before use. |
-Hazard classification under GHS (as adopted in Australia) -Signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”) -Hazard statements -Precautionary statements -Pictograms |
-Essential for WHS risk assessments. -Helps you choose correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and controls for tasks. |
| 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients | Lists what is in the product, supporting health assessments and emergency treatment. |
-Ingredient names and concentrations -Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers -Trade notes if relevant |
-Needed for first aid or emergency responders. -Supports maintaining an accurate chemical register. |
| 4. First Aid Measures | Explains what to do immediately if someone is exposed to the chemical. |
-First aid for inhalation, ingestion, skin, or eye contact -Symptoms to watch for -When to seek medical attention |
-Display in work areas. -Ensure staff are trained in basic first aid. |
| 5. Fire Fighting Measures | Provides guidance on managing a fire involving this substance. |
-Suitable extinguishing media (e.g. dry powder, foam) -Unsuitable media -Specific hazards from combustion (e.g. toxic gases) -Protective equipment for firefighters |
-Share with your local fire brigade if storing large quantities. -Review during fire safety and emergency planning. |
| 6. Accidental Release Measures | Explains how to manage spills safely to protect people and the environment. |
-Personal precautions (e.g. PPE, evacuation) -Emergency procedures -Containment and clean-up methods -Environmental precautions |
-Include in your spill response procedure. -Ensure spill kits are stocked with recommended supplies. |
| 7. Handling and Storage | Provides guidance on handling and storing the chemical safely to prevent accidents. |
-Safe handling practices -Hygiene measures (e.g. wash hands after use) -Storage conditions (e.g. temperature, ventilation) -Incompatible materials |
-Use for safe work method statements (SWMS). -Train staff on proper storage to avoid incidents. |
| 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection | Lists exposure limits and PPE required to keep workers safe. |
-Australian Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) -Engineering controls (e.g. ventilation, extraction) -Recommended PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators) |
-Refer to, for WHS risk assessments. -Helps plan suitable controls and PPE for all tasks. |
| 9. Physical and Chemical Properties | Describes what the substance looks like and how it behaves, useful for identification and safe storage. |
-Appearance (colour, state, odour) -pH, melting/boiling point -Flash point, flammability -Solubility, vapour density, and more |
-Flash point helps with flammable storage planning. -Use to identify unknown substances if spills occur. |
| 10. Stability and Reactivity | Describes the chemical’s stability and what conditions or materials could cause dangerous reactions. |
-Chemical stability -Possible hazardous reactions -Conditions to avoid (e.g. heat, moisture) -Incompatible materials -Hazardous decomposition products |
-Review before storing chemicals together. -Important for emergency planning and safe disposal. |
| 11. Toxicological Information | Lists health risks and symptoms caused by exposure to help manage health hazards. |
-Routes of exposure -Immediate and delayed symptoms -Toxicity data (e.g. LD50) -Chronic health effects (e.g. carcinogenicity) |
-Use to inform health monitoring programs. -Include examples in training to build worker awareness. |
| 12. Ecological Information | Describes the chemical’s impact on the environment. |
-Ecotoxicity (effects on aquatic life, soil, air) -Persistence and degradability -Bioaccumulation potential -Mobility in soil |
-Supports environmental compliance and sustainability planning. -Use for spill and waste management procedures. |
| 13. Disposal Considerations | Provides guidance on safe and legal disposal of the chemical and its container. |
-Recommended disposal methods -Disposal of packaging -Relevant local and national waste requirements |
-Always check before disposal to comply with state and national regulations. -Use licensed waste contractors for hazardous materials. |
| 14. Transport Information | Provides information for the safe and legal transport of the chemical. |
-UN number and proper shipping name -Transport hazard class and packing group -Environmental hazards during transport -Special precautions |
-Required for dangerous goods transport documentation. -Ensure drivers and transport staff are trained in these requirements. |
| 15. Regulatory Information | Lists Australian safety, health, and environmental regulations relevant to the product. |
-WHS regulations and GHS classification -Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC) status -Other applicable national or state regulations |
-Check for compliance during audits. -Helps safety teams keep up with regulatory requirements. |
| 16. Other Information | Includes extra details such as when the SDS was last updated. |
-Date of preparation or last revision -Additional safety notes or disclaimers |
-Always use the current SDS version. -Update your chemical register when new SDS versions are received. |
Common SDS Compliance Gaps
While many workplaces strive for chemical safety, several common compliance gaps in SDS management can compromise both worker protection and regulatory adherence, such as:
- SDSs often become outdated because manual update systems can miss updates.
- Workers may not be properly trained to understand each section.
- SDSs aren’t always easy to access during work.
- Disposal and transport rules are often overlooked, causing safety and legal problems.
Using a cloud-based SDS management system can help bridge these gaps by automating updates, ensuring real-time access across teams, and supporting compliance audits. This reduces the manual effort needed to track and organize chemical safety information.
Why the 16 Sections in an SDS Matter
Each of the 16 sections in a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) has a clear purpose in keeping workplaces safe. Knowing what’s in each section helps ensure hazardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of properly, which reduces the chance of accidents or health issues. It also keeps businesses compliant with WHS laws and GHS labelling requirements. Understanding SDS sections supports a safer, healthier, and better-prepared work environment