Safety Data Sheets (SDS) follow the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and must list 16 sections. This guide shows what each part does, from identifying the chemical, to safe use, storage, transport, and disposal. Knowing these parts keeps staff safe, meets the rules, and lets every site react fast in an emergency.
What Are the Sections of an SDS?
Under Canada’s Hazardous Products Regulations (WHMIS 2015), every Safety Data Sheet must follow the same 16-section format, keeping hazard and safety information clear and consistent. Each section covers important details about a chemical product in a clear format that makes it easy to find information fast, whether for daily use or emergencies. Below is a full breakdown of these 16 sections:
| Section | Purpose | Contents | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Identification | Tells you what the product is and who supplies it, so you can confirm you have the right chemical and know whom to contact in an emergency. |
-Product name and identifiers -Supplier/manufacturer name, address, phone -Emergency contact number -Recommended use and any restrictions |
-Always read this first to avoid mix-ups. -Keep supplier contacts accessible in case of spills or exposure. |
| 2. Hazard Identification | Lists the main hazards and risks, so you understand how dangerous it is before use. |
-Hazard classification under WHMIS 2015 -Signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”) -Hazard statements -Precautionary statements -GHS pictograms |
-Essential for WHMIS training and labelling. -Helps select proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and controls for tasks. |
| 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients | Lists what is in the product, which is important for health assessments and emergency treatment. |
-Ingredient names and concentrations -Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers -Trade notes if applicable |
-Needed for first aid or when speaking with medical professionals. -Supports workplace chemical inventory records. |
| 4. First-Aid Measures | Explains what to do right away if someone is exposed. |
-First aid for inhalation, ingestion, skin, or eye contact -Symptoms to watch for -When to seek medical help |
-Post these near areas where chemicals are used. -Ensure staff know basic first aid steps. |
| 5. Fire-Fighting Measures | Provides guidance on fighting a fire involving this chemical. |
-Suitable extinguishing media (e.g. dry chemical, CO₂) -Unsuitable media -Hazards from combustion (e.g. toxic fumes) -Protective equipment for firefighters |
-Share with your local fire department if storing large amounts. -Review during workplace fire safety planning. |
| 6. Accidental Release Measures | Explains how to clean up spills safely to protect people and the environment. |
-Personal precautions -Emergency procedures -Containment and clean-up methods -Environmental precautions |
-Include in your spill response plan. -Make sure spill kits contain recommended supplies. |
| 7. Handling and Storage | Provides guidance on how to handle and store the product safely. |
-Safe handling practices -Hygiene measures (e.g. wash hands after use) -Storage conditions (e.g. temperature, ventilation) -Incompatible materials |
-Use to develop safe work procedures. -Train staff on proper storage practices to prevent accidents. |
| 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection | Lists limits and protective measures to keep exposure levels safe. |
-Occupational exposure limits (OELs) -Engineering controls (e.g. ventilation, fume hoods) -Required PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators) |
-Use for WHMIS assessments and workplace PPE programs. -Helps supervisors plan safe work conditions. |
| 9. Physical and Chemical Properties | Describes what the product looks like and how it behaves, for easy identification and safe storage. |
-Appearance (colour, state, odour) -pH, melting/boiling point -Flash point, flammability -Solubility, vapour density, and more |
-Flash point data guides fire prevention planning. -Use to identify unknown substances if spilled. |
| 10. Stability and Reactivity | Describes how stable the product is 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 spill response. |
| 11. Toxicological Information | Lists health risks and symptoms caused by exposure. |
-Routes of exposure -Immediate and delayed symptoms -Toxicity data (e.g. LD50) -Long-term health effects (e.g. cancer risk) |
-Use in health surveillance programs. -Include examples in safety training to build awareness. |
| 12. Ecological Information | Describes the potential impact on the environment. |
-Ecotoxicity (harm to aquatic life, soil, air) -Persistence and degradability -Bioaccumulation potential -Mobility in soil |
-Supports environmental compliance planning. -Use when preparing spill prevention and emergency plans. |
| 13. Disposal Considerations | Explains how to dispose of the product and its container safely and legally. |
-Disposal methods for waste and packaging -Local, provincial, and federal disposal requirements |
-Check before disposal to follow Canadian waste regulations. -Use licensed hazardous waste carriers when needed. |
| 14. Transport Information | Provides details needed to ship or transport the chemical safely. |
-UN number and proper shipping name -Transport hazard class and packing group -Environmental hazards during transport -Special precautions for transport |
-Required for transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) documentation. -Ensure drivers and logistics staff are trained on this. |
| 15. Regulatory Information | Lists Canadian safety and environmental regulations relevant to the product. |
-WHMIS classifications -Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) status -Other federal or provincial regulations |
-Use for compliance checks and internal audits. -Helps safety officers ensure regulatory requirements are met. |
| 16. Other Information | Includes extra notes and when the SDS was last updated. |
-Preparation or revision date -Additional details or disclaimers |
-Always check if you are using the most current SDS. -Update your SDS library when new versions are released. |
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
Understanding the 16 sections of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is crucial for maintaining safety in Canadian workplaces. Each section provides necessary information that helps ensure hazardous products are handled correctly, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with Canada's Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015, aligned with the Globally Harmonised System (GHS). This knowledge contributes to creating safer, healthier, and more prepared work environments.