What is SDS Authoring?

SDS authoring is the process of creating Safety Data Sheets (SDS) that communicate essential hazard, handling, and regulatory information about a product. It ensures that vital safety information is communicated clearly across the chemical supply chain from manufacturers to end users.

Traditional SDS authoring can be a daunting process. Today, companies can easily author SDSs with SDS authoring software that ensures accuracy, consistency, and regulatory compliance.

Why SDS Authoring Matters

• Compliance: Governments worldwide, including OSHA and GHS require SDS documents for chemical products.
• Workplace Safety: Workers, emergency responders, and downstream users rely on SDS documents for guidance on safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals.
• Risk Reduction: Protecting companies from liability, fines, and regulatory penalties.
• Global Trade: Standardized SDS authoring ensures information can be understood across borders, languages, and industries, making global commerce possible.

For businesses handling chemicals, inaccurate or incomplete SDSs can lead to compliance issues, safety hazards, and expensive delays across the supply chain.

SDS Authoring: The 16-Section GHS Format

SDS Authoring follows the 16-section format mandated by GHS. Each section must be completed thoroughly and with scientifically validated data.

1. Identification - Product identifier, manufacturer details, emergency contact information
2. Hazard Identification - Classification, label elements, other hazards
3. Composition/Information on Ingredients - Chemical identity and concentration ranges
4. First Aid Measures - Emergency response procedures for different exposure routes
5. Fire-Fighting Measures - Suitable extinguishing media, special hazards, protective equipment
6. Accidental Release Measures - Spill cleanup procedures and containment methods
7. Handling and Storage - Safe practices for use and storage conditions
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection - Occupational exposure limits and PPE requirements
9. Physical and Chemical Properties - Appearance, odor, pH, melting point, etc.
10. Stability and Reactivity - Chemical stability, incompatible materials, hazardous decomposition
11. Toxicological Information - Health effects data from studies and testing
12. Ecological Information - Environmental fate and effects data
13. Disposal Considerations - Waste treatment methods and regulatory requirements
14. Transport Information - Shipping classifications and special precautions
15. Regulatory Information - Safety, health, and environmental regulations
16. Other Information - Date of preparation, revision information, disclaimers

The Process of SDS Authoring

Data Collection

• Gather physical/chemical property data, toxicological studies, and exposure limits.
• Source information from lab testing, published literature, or suppliers.

Hazard Classification

• Determine classification under GHS or OSHA rules.
• Assign signal words (e.g., Danger, Warning), pictograms, and hazard statements.

Content Development

• Write clear, easy-to-understand language that can be understood by non-experts.
• Ensure alignment with regulatory phrasing (standardized hazard and precautionary statements).

Formatting & Structuring

• Follow the mandatory 16-section format.
• Use consistent terminology across documents.

Localization

• Author SDSs in English as required for U.S. distribution.
• Adapt to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS, 29 CFR 1910.1200), which aligns with GHS

Review & Validation

• Conduct internal compliance checks.
• Sometimes involve third-party validation or regulatory consultants.

Distribution & Maintenance

• Provide SDS to customers, distributors, and employees.
• Update SDS when new data or regulatory changes occur (e.g., new exposure limits, reclassification of hazards).

Modern Approaches to SDS Authoring

Traditionally, SDS authoring is handled by in-house experts or third-party consultants familiar with chemistry and regulatory law. While still common, this manual approach can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

Today, many organizations use specialized SDS authoring solutions that automate hazard classification, manage regulatory updates, and support multiple languages. These tools reduce complexity and ensure that each SDS remains compliant with the latest standards.

Final Thoughts

SDS authoring is the organized process of creating Safety Data Sheets that provide clear, accurate, and compliant information about chemical hazards. SDS authoring is a key part of chemical safety and regulatory compliance.

For companies working across different markets, using reliable SDS authoring software is one of the best ways to protect employees, meet regulations, and keep operations running without disruption.