What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
An SDS (formerly known as MSDS) includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the
physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for
handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.
It provides guidance for each specific chemical on things such as:
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
First aid procedures
Spill clean-up procedures
What is the difference between MSDS and SDS?
MSDS is Material Safety Data Sheets, whereas SDS just Safety Data Sheets. SDS is basically an updated
version of the MSDS.
The idea of the SDS is to have a uniform set of standards that companies adhere to around the world.
Any SDS document must follow a step-by-step order of headings. The major benefit of this is that safety
communication has become standardized. Also, there is greater accountability in the process of using and
moving hazardous materials. Old MSDS documents could be quite different from one another.
MSDS could be in different formats for the information, so nothing was regulated. SDS is similar to MSDS,
the difference is that it is presented in a standardized, user-friendly, 16 section format. The other
difference is that SDS adheres to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of
Chemicals (GHS). It has now been adopted by the United States’ Occupational Health and Safety
Administration (OSHA). GHS specifies what information should be included on the Safety Data Sheets.
The 16 sections of the Safety Data Sheet are:
1. Identification
The name of the hazardous material
2. Hazard identification
Any hazards related to the particular material
3. Composition/ information on ingredients
The specific chemical ingredients
4. First-aid measures
Particular measures relevant to the hazards
5. Fire-fighting measures
The correct response in the event of a fire hazard (e.g. some chemical fires will not
respond to water)
6. Accidental release measures
Guidance on recollecting spilled materials (i.e. when released in open water)
7. Handling and storage
Specific requirements (i.e. sunlight, temperature, etc.)
8. Exposure controls/ personal protection
Necessary equipment to handle the material (i.e. gloves, glasses, etc.)
9. Physical and chemical properties
Properties such as acidity, odor, viscosity, etc.
10. Stability and reactivity
Known chemical interactions (i.e. oxygen or hydrogen)
11. Toxicological information
Human response to ingestion and other exposure
12. Ecological information
Environmental risks
13. Disposal considerations
Where and how the material can be disposed of
14. Transport information
Guidance on modes of transportation and related concerns
15. Regulatory information
Regulations from relevant jurisdictions
16. Other information
All other necessary information to prevent and mitigate the hazard