The Definitive Guide to GHS Safety Data Sheet Sections

A GHS (Globally Harmonized System) Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a standardized document that provides crucial information about the hazards of a chemical product and how to handle it safely. It’s an essential component of workplace safety and chemical management. A complete GHS-compliant SDS is structured into 16 specific sections, each addressing a different aspect of the chemical’s properties and safe use.

Understanding the 16 Sections of an SDS

Navigating an SDS effectively requires understanding the purpose and content of each of its 16 sections. Let’s delve into each one:

Section 1: Identification

• Product Identifier: This is the exact name or number used on the label and in company documents to identify the substance or mixture.
• Other Means of Identification: Includes synonyms or other common names used for the product.
• Recommended Use of the Chemical and Restrictions on Use: Specifies the intended applications of the chemical and any limitations on its use. For example, “laboratory reagent” or “industrial cleaning solvent.”
• Supplier’s Details: Provides the name, address, and phone number of the manufacturer or distributor of the chemical.
• Emergency Phone Number: A 24-hour contact number for emergency situations involving the chemical, such as spills, leaks, or exposure incidents.

Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification

• GHS Classification of the Substance or Mixture: This section lists the specific hazard classes and categories assigned to the chemical according to the GHS. For example, “Flammable Liquid Category 2” or “Acute Toxicity Category 4.”
• GHS Label Elements, Including Precautionary Statements: Presents the required label elements, including hazard symbols (pictograms), signal words (Danger or Warning), and hazard statements describing the nature of the hazard. Crucially, it also includes precautionary statements advising on measures to prevent or minimize adverse effects resulting from exposure.
• Other Hazards Which Do Not Result in Classification: Identifies any hazards that are not classified under GHS but may still be relevant, such as dust explosion hazards or asphyxiation potential.
• Supplemental Information: Additional information that doesn’t fit neatly into other categories, but is useful, like the percentage of ingredients with unknown toxicity.

Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients

• Substances: Provides the chemical identity (name and CAS number) and concentration of each ingredient in a pure substance.
• Mixtures: Lists the chemical identity and concentration range of each hazardous ingredient in a mixture. Non-hazardous ingredients may also be listed. Confidential Business Information (CBI) may be protected according to regulations.
• Trade Secret Claims: Explains the rationale behind withholding the exact chemical identity or concentration of certain ingredients due to trade secret protection.

Section 4: First-Aid Measures

• Description of Necessary First-Aid Measures: Provides detailed instructions on what to do in case of exposure to the chemical via inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, or ingestion.
• Most Important Symptoms/Effects, Acute and Delayed: Describes the immediate (acute) and long-term (delayed) health effects that can result from exposure to the chemical.
• Indication of Immediate Medical Attention and Special Treatment Needed, If Necessary: Specifies whether immediate medical attention is required and any special treatment that may be necessary, such as antidotes or specific medical procedures.

Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures

• Suitable (and Unsuitable) Extinguishing Media: Lists the appropriate extinguishing agents to use on fires involving the chemical (e.g., water spray, foam, dry chemical) and any extinguishing agents that should be avoided (e.g., water jet on certain flammable liquids).
• Specific Hazards Arising From the Chemical: Identifies any specific hazards that may arise during a fire, such as the formation of toxic gases or explosive vapors.
• Special Protective Equipment and Precautions for Fire-Fighters: Provides guidance on the appropriate protective equipment and precautions that firefighters should take when fighting fires involving the chemical, including the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

• Personal Precautions, Protective Equipment, and Emergency Procedures: Specifies the personal precautions that should be taken by individuals responding to a spill or leak, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Environmental Precautions: Provides guidance on preventing environmental contamination resulting from a spill or leak, such as containing the spill and preventing it from entering waterways or sewers.
• Methods and Materials for Containment and Cleaning Up: Describes the methods and materials that should be used to contain and clean up a spill or leak, such as absorbent materials, diking, and vacuuming.

Section 7: Handling and Storage

• Precautions for Safe Handling: Provides guidance on safe handling practices to minimize the risk of exposure or accidents, such as avoiding contact with skin and eyes, wearing appropriate PPE, and ensuring adequate ventilation.
• Conditions for Safe Storage, Including Any Incompatibilities: Specifies the conditions for safe storage of the chemical, including temperature, humidity, ventilation, and any incompatibilities with other substances.

Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

• Control Parameters (e.g., Occupational Exposure Limits): Lists any applicable occupational exposure limits (OELs) for the chemical, such as Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), and Short-Term Exposure Limits (STELs).
• Appropriate Engineering Controls: Describes the engineering controls that should be implemented to minimize exposure to the chemical, such as ventilation systems, enclosure of processes, and automated handling equipment.
• Individual Protection Measures, Such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Specifies the appropriate PPE that should be worn when handling the chemical, such as gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection, and protective clothing.

Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties

• This section provides a comprehensive list of the physical and chemical properties of the substance or mixture. These properties include:
  • Appearance (physical state, color, etc.)
  • Odor
  • Odor Threshold
  • pH
  • Melting Point/Freezing Point
  • Initial Boiling Point and Boiling Range
  • Flash Point
  • Evaporation Rate
  • Flammability (solid, gas)
  • Upper/Lower Flammability or Explosive Limits
  • Vapor Pressure
  • Vapor Density
  • Relative Density
  • Solubility(ies)
  • Partition Coefficient: n-octanol/water
  • Auto-ignition Temperature
  • Decomposition Temperature
  • Viscosity

Section 10: Stability and Reactivity

• Reactivity: Describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical, such as its potential to polymerize, decompose, or react violently with other substances.
• Chemical Stability: Indicates whether the chemical is stable under normal conditions of use and storage.
• Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Describes any hazardous reactions that may occur if the chemical is mixed with other substances or subjected to certain conditions.
• Conditions to Avoid: Lists the conditions that should be avoided to prevent hazardous reactions or decomposition, such as exposure to heat, light, or incompatible materials.
• Incompatible Materials: Identifies the materials that should not be mixed with the chemical due to the potential for hazardous reactions.
• Hazardous Decomposition Products: Lists the hazardous substances that may be produced when the chemical decomposes, such as carbon monoxide or toxic fumes.

Section 11: Toxicological Information

• Information on Toxicological Effects: Provides detailed information on the potential health effects of exposure to the chemical, including acute toxicity (e.g., LD50, LC50), skin corrosion/irritation, serious eye damage/irritation, respiratory or skin sensitization, germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, specific target organ toxicity (single and repeated exposure), and aspiration hazard.
• Description of the Symptoms Related to Exposure: This elaborates on the symptoms described in Section 4.
• Numerical Measures of Toxicity: LD50, LC50 and other relevant toxicity measures.
• Delayed and Immediate Effects as well as Chronic Effects from Short and Long-Term Exposure: Outlines the potential for both immediate and long-term health consequences from exposure to the chemical.
• Interactive Effects: Describes how exposure to other substances can impact the toxicity of the chemical.
• Data Gaps: This is a key section pointing out where information is not available.

Section 12: Ecological Information

• Ecotoxicity (Aquatic and Terrestrial, Where Available): Provides information on the potential effects of the chemical on aquatic and terrestrial organisms, including toxicity data for fish, algae, invertebrates, and plants.
• Persistence and Degradability: Indicates how long the chemical persists in the environment and how readily it degrades.
• Bioaccumulative Potential: Describes the potential for the chemical to accumulate in living organisms.
• Mobility in Soil: Indicates how readily the chemical moves through soil.
• Other Adverse Effects: Identifies any other adverse effects that the chemical may have on the environment, such as ozone depletion potential or global warming potential.

Section 13: Disposal Considerations

• Description of Waste Residues and Information on Their Safe Handling and Methods of Disposal, Including the Disposal of Any Contaminated Packaging: Provides guidance on the proper methods for disposing of the chemical and any contaminated packaging, in accordance with applicable regulations.

Section 14: Transport Information

• UN Number: The United Nations identification number assigned to the substance.
• UN Proper Shipping Name: The standardized name used for the substance during transport.
• Transport Hazard Class(es): The hazard class assigned to the substance for transport purposes.
• Packing Group, If Applicable: A classification that indicates the degree of danger presented by the substance during transport.
• Environmental Hazards (e.g., Marine Pollutant): Indicates whether the substance is classified as an environmental hazard for transport purposes.
• Transport in Bulk According to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code: Provides information on the transport of the substance in bulk.
• Special Precautions Which an Employee Needs to be Aware of, or Needs to Comply With, in Connection With Transport or Conveyance Either Within or Outside Their Premises: Specific instructions relevant to transporting the chemical.

Section 15: Regulatory Information

• Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations Specific for the Product in Question: Lists any specific safety, health, and environmental regulations that apply to the chemical, such as regulations related to workplace safety, environmental protection, and hazardous waste management.

Section 16: Other Information

• Date of Preparation or Last Revision: Indicates the date when the SDS was prepared or last revised.
• Key to Abbreviations: Provides a key to any abbreviations or acronyms used in the SDS.
• Disclaimer: A statement disclaiming any warranties or liabilities related to the use of the information in the SDS.
• Other Information: Additional helpful information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions regarding SDSs to further clarify their purpose and use:

1. What is the main purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

The primary purpose of an SDS is to communicate hazard information about a chemical product to workers, employers, emergency responders, and other stakeholders. It provides detailed information on the chemical’s properties, hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

2. Who is responsible for creating an SDS?

The manufacturer or importer of a chemical product is responsible for creating an accurate and up-to-date SDS. They are obligated to research and compile all necessary information about the chemical’s hazards and safe use.

3. Where can I find an SDS for a specific chemical?

SDSs are typically provided by the chemical manufacturer or supplier. They may be available on the manufacturer’s website, included with the product shipment, or accessible through a centralized SDS management system.

4. How often should an SDS be updated?

An SDS should be updated whenever new information becomes available regarding the chemical’s hazards, safe handling, or regulatory requirements. At a minimum, it’s a good practice to review and update SDSs every three to five years, even if no new information is available.

5. What should I do if I find conflicting information on an SDS?

If you find conflicting information on an SDS, contact the manufacturer or supplier of the chemical to clarify the discrepancies. It’s important to resolve any conflicting information to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the SDS.

6. Are SDSs legally required?

Yes, in many countries, including the United States (under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard), SDSs are legally required for hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Employers are obligated to maintain a readily accessible SDS for each hazardous chemical present in their workplace.

7. What is the difference between an SDS and a label?

An SDS provides comprehensive information about a chemical, while a label provides a brief summary of key hazard information. The label includes elements such as the product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms, and precautionary statements. The SDS provides much more detailed information.

8. What does “N/A” or “Not Available” mean on an SDS?

“N/A” or “Not Available” indicates that the information requested in that section is either not applicable to the chemical or is not available from the manufacturer or supplier.

9. Can I use an SDS from another country?

While the GHS aims to standardize SDSs globally, there may be some variations in requirements from country to country. It’s important to ensure that the SDS complies with the regulations of the country where the chemical is being used.

10. What should I do if I don’t understand the information on an SDS?

If you don’t understand the information on an SDS, ask your supervisor or a qualified safety professional for assistance. It’s important to ensure that you fully understand the hazards of a chemical before handling it.

11. Are all 16 sections of an SDS always filled in?

Ideally, all 16 sections should be completed. However, sometimes information for a particular section may not be available or applicable, in which case “N/A” or “Not Available” should be indicated along with an explanation, if possible.

12. How does the GHS relate to SDSs?

The GHS is a globally harmonized system for classifying and labeling chemicals. SDSs are a key component of the GHS, providing a standardized format for communicating hazard information based on the GHS classification system. The SDS format and content requirements are directly aligned with the GHS.