Safety Data Sheets (SDS) follow the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and must list 16 sections. This guide explains what each part covers, from identifying the chemical, to showing how to use, store, move, and dispose of it safely. Knowing these sections keeps work sites safe, meets the rules, and lets teams act fast in an emergency.
What Are the Sections of an SDS?
Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, each SDS must include the same 16 sections to keep hazards and safety instructions clear and consistent. Each section provides key details about the chemical, making it easy to find the information you need, whether during daily use or in an emergency. Here is a complete breakdown of the 16 sections given below:
| Section | Purpose | Contents | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Identification | Tells you what the chemical is and who makes it, so you can check you’re using the right one and know who to call in an emergency. |
-Product name -Manufacturer name, address, phone -Emergency phone number -Recommended use and limits |
-Always read before use to avoid mix-ups. -Keep contact details handy for quick help. |
| 2. Hazard(s) Identification | Shows the dangers of the chemical so you know the risks before using it. |
-Hazard type (e.g. flammable, corrosive) -Signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”) -Hazard and safety statements -GHS pictograms |
-Great for safety briefings and PPE decisions. -Helps everyone stay aware of risks. |
| 3. Composition/Ingredients | Lists what’s in the chemical, so you know what you’re working with and what could affect health. |
-Ingredient names and amounts -CAS numbers -Trade notes |
-Important for emergency responders if exposure happens. -Helps in checking workplace chemical records. |
| 4. First-Aid Measures | Tells you what to do if someone is exposed to the chemical. |
-First aid for breathing in, swallowing, skin, or eye contact -Symptoms to watch for -When to seek medical help |
-Post these steps near work areas. -Train staff to act quickly in emergencies. |
| 5. Fire-Fighting Measures | Explains what to do if the chemical catches fire. |
-Best ways to put out the fire -Ways to avoid (e.g. don’t use water on sodium) -Dangers from burning -Needed PPE for firefighters |
-Share with fire fighting teams if storing in large amounts. -Plan fire drills using this info. |
| 6. Accidental Release Measures | Guides safe spill cleanup to protect people and the environment. |
-Personal safety steps -Emergency procedures -How to contain and clean up spills -Environmental safety tips |
-Add to spill response plans. -Check your spill kit has what’s needed. |
| 7. Handling and Storage | Tells you how to use and store the chemical safely. |
-Handling rules (e.g. avoid direct contact) -Hygiene tips (e.g. wash hands after use) -Storage conditions (temperature, ventilation) -What it shouldn’t be stored with |
-Review before storing or moving chemicals. -Train staff on these rules to avoid accidents. |
| 8. Exposure Controls/PPE | Lists exposure limits and the needed protection to keep you safe. |
-Exposure limits (OSHA, ACGIH) -Engineering controls (ventilation, fume hoods) -Recommended PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators) |
-Use for setting up PPE and ventilation plans. -Include in safety training. |
| 9. Physical and Chemical Properties | Describes how the chemical looks and acts, to help identify it and know its risks. |
-Appearance (colour, state, smell) -pH, melting/boiling points -Flash point, flammability Solubility and more |
-Flash point data helps fire prevention plans. -Identify unknown spills using these details. |
| 10. Stability and Reactivity | Tells you how stable it is and what it can react dangerously with. |
-Stability under normal use -Dangerous reactions -Conditions to avoid -Incompatible materials -Hazardous breakdown products |
-Prevent accidents by storing chemicals apart from incompatible ones. - Review for emergency planning. |
| 11. Toxicological Info | Lists health risks and symptoms from exposure. |
-Ways it can enter the body -Short and long-term health effects -Toxicity data (e.g. LD50) -Cancer or reproductive risks |
-Helps health teams with exposure assessments. -Use in training to highlight real risks. |
| 12. Ecological Info | Shows how it affects the environment. |
-Harm to water life -How long it stays in the environment -Build-up in animals -Movement in soil |
-Supports safe waste and spill management. -Helps meet environmental rules. |
| 13. Disposal Considerations | Explains how to dispose of it safely and legally. |
-How to get rid of waste -How to dispose of containers -Disposal laws |
-Always check before disposal. -Work with licensed waste companies for hazardous chemicals. |
| 14. Transport Info | Gives details for safe and legal transport. |
-UN number and shipping name -Hazard class and packing group -Environmental transport hazards -Special transport tips |
-Drivers need this for transport paperwork. -Use when labelling shipments. |
| 15. Regulatory Info | Lists laws and rules that apply to the chemical. |
-OSHA standards -TSCA status -SARA Title III -Proposition 65 warnings |
-Check during audits and compliance reviews. -Helps safety teams keep up with regulations. |
| 16. Other Info | Includes extra safety notes and when the SDS was last updated. |
-SDS prep or revision date -Other helpful info or disclaimers |
-Always use the newest SDS version. -Update your SDS library when revisions come in. |
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 SDS sections plays a clear role in keeping workplaces safe. Understanding them ensures chemicals are handled correctly every day, helps prevent injuries or incidents, and keeps businesses in line with OSHA and GHS rules. This knowledge allows creating safer, healthier, and more prepared worksites.