Safety Data Sheets (SDS) list 16 set sections under the Globally Harmonised System (GHS). This guide shows what each part covers, from identifying the chemical, to safe use, storage, transport, and disposal. Learning these sections keeps work sites safe, meets the rules, and helps teams act fast in an emergency.
What Are the Sections of an SDS?
Under UK REACH and COSHH, 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, helping you find the necessary information quickly, whether during 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 check whether you have the right chemical and know whom to contact in an emergency. |
-Product name and identifiers -Supplier name, address, phone number -Emergency contact details -Recommended use and any restrictions |
-Always check this first to avoid using the wrong product. -Keep supplier details in hand for quick advice or in an emergency. |
| 2. Hazard(s) Identification | Shows the main hazards and risks, so you know how dangerous it is before you use it. |
-Hazard classification under GB CLP -Signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”) -Hazard statements -Precautionary statements -GHS/GB CLP pictograms |
-Necessary for COSHH risk assessments. -Helps choose the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and controls. |
| 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients |
Lists what’s in the product, which helps assess health risks and inform emergency services if someone is exposed. |
-Ingredient names and concentrations -Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)/EC numbers -Trade notes (where permitted) |
-Important for first aid and medical staff. -Needed for accurate workplace chemical inventories. |
| 4. First-Aid Measures | Tells you what to do straight away if someone is exposed. |
-First aid for inhalation, swallowing, skin or eye contact -Symptoms to look out for-When to seek medical help |
-Post these instructions in work areas. -Make sure all staff know basic first aid steps. |
| 5. Fire-Fighting Measures | Gives advice on tackling a fire involving this substance safely. |
-Suitable extinguishing media (e.g. foam, dry powder) -Unsuitable media -Hazards from combustion (toxic fumes) -Protective equipment for firefighters |
-Share this info with your local fire service if storing large quantities. -Review during fire risk assessments. |
| 6. Accidental Release Measures | Explains how to deal with spills or leaks safely and minimise environmental harm. |
-Personal safety measures -Emergency procedures -Containment and clean-up methods -Environmental precautions |
-Include in your COSHH spill response plan. -Keep spill kits stocked as advised here. |
| 7. Handling and Storage |
Tells you how to handle and store the chemical safely to avoid accidents or dangerous reactions. |
-Safe handling guidance -Hygiene measures (wash hands, remove contaminated clothing) -Storage conditions (temperature, ventilation) -Incompatible materials |
-Use for writing safe systems of work. -Train staff on safe storage to avoid mix-ups. |
| 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection | List control measures and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to keep exposure low. |
-Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) -Engineering controls (ventilation, fume hoods) -Recommended PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators) |
-Refer to, for COSHH assessments. -Helps you choose suitable PPE for each task. |
| 9. Physical and Chemical Properties | Describes what the substance looks like and how it behaves, which helps with storage and identification. |
-Appearance (colour, state, odour) -pH, melting/boiling point -Flash point, flammability -Solubility and other key data |
-Flash point helps plan safe storage of flammables. -Useful when identifying unknown spills. |
| 10. Stability and Reactivity | Tells you how stable the product is and what can make it react dangerously. |
-Chemical stability -Possible reactions -Conditions to avoid (e.g. heat, moisture) -Incompatible materials -Hazardous breakdown products |
-Crucial for storing chemicals safely. -Review to prevent mixing chemicals that react. |
| 11. Toxicological Information | Details the health effects of exposure, so you know the real risks. |
-How it can enter the body (routes of exposure) -Health effects and symptoms -Acute toxicity (e.g. LD50) -Chronic effects (e.g. cancer risk) |
-Helps you decide on health surveillance needs. -Include examples in staff training. |
| 12. Ecological Information | Explains what harm the chemical can do to the environment. |
-Ecotoxicity (harm to water life, soil, air) -Persistence and breakdown -Potential to build up in living things -How it moves in the environment |
-Important for spill response planning. -Helps meet UK environmental rules. |
| 13. Disposal Considerations | Guides you on how to dispose of waste and packaging correctly and legally. |
-Safe disposal methods -Disposal of containers -Local and national waste rules |
-Follow this to stay compliant with UK waste registries. -Use licensed waste carriers for hazardous waste. |
| 14. Transport Information | Gives details to help you transport the chemical safely and legally. |
-UN number and shipping name -Transport hazard class and packing group -Environmental transport risks -Special precautions for transport |
-Drivers need this for shipping papers. -Follow rules for labelling and packing loads. |
| 15. Regulatory Information | Lists the main UK/EU safety and environmental laws that apply to this chemical. |
-UK REACH status -COSHH and GB CLP details -Any UK or EU directives -Other relevant national rules |
-Check when doing compliance checks. -Keep this section in mind for internal audits. |
| 16. Other Information | Includes when the SDS was written or last updated, plus any extra notes. |
-Date prepared or revised -Additional details or disclaimers |
-Always use the most recent version. -Update your file if you get a new SDS version. |
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 vital for maintaining safety in UK workplaces. Each section provides necessary information that helps ensure chemicals are handled correctly, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with UK regulations such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and the UK REACH Regulation. This knowledge contributes to creating safer, healthier, and more prepared work environments.