Safety Data Sheets (SDS) list 16 set sections under the Globally Harmonised System (GHS). This guide explains what each part does, from identifying the substance, to safe use, storage, transport, and disposal. Learning these parts keeps worksites safe, meets HSWA and HSNO rules, and lets teams act fast in an emergency.
What Are the Sections of an SDS?
Under New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) 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 chemicals making it easier to find necessary information, whether for daily tasks or in emergencies. Below is a full breakdown of these 16 sections:
| Section | Purpose | Contents | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Identification | Identifies what the substance is and who supplies it, so you can confirm you’re using the correct 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 prevent using the wrong chemical. -Keep supplier contacts accessible for quick advice or emergencies. |
| 2. Hazard Identification | Lists the key hazards and risks so you know how dangerous it is before use. |
-Hazard classification under GHS/HSNO -Signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”) -Hazard statements -Precautionary statements -Pictograms |
-Essential for risk assessments under HSWA. -Guides Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) choices and safe handling procedures. |
| 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients | Lists what is in the product to support health assessments and emergency treatment if someone is exposed. |
-Ingredient names and concentrations -Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers -Trade notes if applicable |
-Important for medical staff in emergencies. -Supports your workplace hazardous substances inventory requirements. |
| 4. First Aid Measures | Tells you 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 |
-Post these instructions in work areas. -Train staff on basic first aid steps relevant to chemicals used. |
| 5. Fire Fighting Measures | Provides guidance for managing a fire involving this chemical safely. |
-Suitable extinguishing media (e.g. dry powder, foam) -Unsuitable media -Specific hazards from burning (e.g. toxic gases) -Protective equipment needed for firefighters |
-Share with local Fire and Emergency NZ if storing large volumes. -Review during your workplace emergency planning. |
| 6. Accidental Release Measures | Explains how to clean up 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 plan. -Make sure spill kits align with recommended clean-up methods. |
| 7. Handling and Storage | Provides guidance on handling and storing the chemical safely to prevent accidents or dangerous reactions. |
-Safe handling advice -Hygiene measures (e.g. wash hands after use) -Storage conditions (e.g. temperature, ventilation) -Incompatible materials |
-Use when developing safe work procedures. -Train staff on proper storage and handling to prevent incidents. |
| 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection | Lists exposure limits and controls needed to protect workers’ health. |
-Workplace exposure standards (WES) as per WorkSafe NZ -Engineering controls (e.g. ventilation, extraction) -Required PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators) |
-Refer to when completing HSNO compliance certificates and HSWA risk assessments. -Guides PPE selection and control measures for tasks. |
| 9. Physical and Chemical Properties | Describes how the chemical looks and behaves for easy identification and safe storage planning. |
-Appearance (colour, state, odour) -pH, melting/boiling point -Flash point, flammability -Solubility, vapour density, etc. |
-Flash point info assists with flammable storage planning. -Helps identify unknown spills or leaks. |
| 10. Stability and Reactivity | Describes how stable it is and what 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 disposal decisions. |
| 11. Toxicological Information | Lists health risks and symptoms caused by exposure. |
-Routes of exposure -Immediate and delayed symptoms -Toxicity data (e.g. LD50) -Chronic health effects (e.g. cancer risk) |
-Use to inform workplace health monitoring programmes. -Include real examples in staff training to improve awareness. |
| 12. Ecological Information | Describes how the chemical may impact the environment. |
-Ecotoxicity (harm to aquatic life, soil, air) -Persistence and degradability -Bioaccumulation potential -Mobility in soil |
-Supports compliance with HSNO environmental protection requirements. -Helps develop effective spill and waste management plans. |
| 13. Disposal Considerations | Provides guidance for safe and legal disposal of the chemical and its container. |
-Recommended disposal methods -Disposal of containers -Local and national waste requirements |
-Check before disposal to comply with regional council and EPA NZ waste regulations. -Use approved waste contractors for hazardous materials. |
| 14. Transport Information | Provides information for transporting the chemical safely and legally. |
-UN number and shipping name -Transport hazard class and packing group -Environmental hazards during transport -Special transport precautions |
-Needed for NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) dangerous goods documentation. -Ensure drivers are trained and certified for transporting dangerous goods. |
| 15. Regulatory Information | Lists relevant New Zealand health, safety, and environmental regulations. |
-HSNO approval and classification -HSWA obligations -EPA NZ requirements -Other relevant national or local rules |
-Use for compliance checks and audits. -Helps safety managers keep up with New Zealand regulatory requirements. |
| 16. Other Information | Includes extra safety notes and when the SDS was last updated. |
-Date prepared or revised -Additional details or disclaimers |
-Always check you are using the current SDS version. -Update your hazardous substances 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
Understanding the 16 sections of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is crucial for maintaining safety in New Zealand workplaces. Each section provides necessary information to ensure hazardous substances are handled, stored, and disposed of correctly, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with New Zealand's Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO). This knowledge contributes to creating safer, healthier, and more prepared work environments.