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123 2019 INDUSTRY RESOURCE DIRECTORY Safety and Health What You Need to Know About Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) The US OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), revised in 2012, requires that a chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide SDSs to users for each hazardous chemical to communicate information on these hazards. This article provides guidance to help PROs who handle hazardous chemicals become familiar with the format and understand the contents of the SDSs. What is an SDS? What happened to the MSDS we used to get? The SDS is essentially a "new and improved" version of the old MSDS. The information contained in the SDS is largely the same as the old MSDS, except now the SDSs are required to be presented in a consistent, user-friendly, 16-section format. The sheets are designed in alignment with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Why is the SDS important? The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical. The information contained in the SDS must be in English (although it may be in other languages as well). In addition, OSHA requires that SDS preparers provide specific minimum information as detailed in Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.1200. The SDS preparers may also include additional information in various section(s). What is on the SDS? Sections 1 through 8 contain general information about the chemical, identification, hazards, composition, safe handling practices, and emergency control measures (fire fighting, for example). This information should be helpful to those who need to get the information quickly. Sections 9 through 11 and 16 contain other technical and scientific information, such as physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity information, toxicological information, exposure control information, and other information, which includes the date of preparation or last revision. When the preparer does not find relevant information for any required element, the SDS must state this. The SDS must also contain Sections 12 through 15 to be consistent with the UN GHS, but OSHA does not enforce the content of these sections because they concern matters handled by other agencies. A brief description of all 16 sections of the SDS is presented below: Section 1—Identification: includes product identifier; manufacturer or distributor name, address, phone number; emergency phone number; recommended use; restrictions on use. Section 2—Hazard(s): identification includes all hazards regarding the chemical; required label elements. Section 3—Composition/information on ingredients: includes information on chemical ingredients; trade secret claims. Section 4—First-aid measures: includes important symptoms/effects, acute and delayed; required treatment. Section 5—Fire-fighting measures: lists suitable extinguishing media; protective equipment; chemical hazards from fire. Section 6—Accidental release measures: lists emergency procedures; protective equipment; proper methods of containment and cleanup. Section 7—Handling and storage: lists precautions for safe handling and storage, including incompatibilities. Better worksites. Better weekends. Better world. EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS-ONLY CONTENT REDACTED Join us now at www.psai.org for access to this valuable information.