SDS means safety data sheets but traditionally originated from the material safety data sheets or MSDS. However, the occupational safety and health administration and its hazard communication standard branch coordinated with a globally harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals to rename it to SDS or safety data sheets. Prior to its changes in 2012, the regulation regarding the position and contents of MSDS is squabble from place to place. However, the European Union who are controlling the globally harmonized system changed it and enacted it across the regions. Eliminating the letter M from the original MSDS thus SDS are formally used.
Companies and employees who operate and work with chemicals in some form and shape will encounter safety data sheets. These SDS are required by law as part of the occupational safety and health hazard communication standard. This will necessitate all the chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors to provide an SDS label for all hazardous chemicals in order to disseminate all important information about the danger of that particular chemical.
SDS or safety data sheets provide critical information on all hazardous chemicals, that includes the potential risks correlating with their use and storage and how to keep it in a safe way. Generally, there are 16 mandatory rules and regulations structured to help the chemical users to lessen the possibility of issues that may appear in the future. The following are the 16 sections and its explanations.
Section one: Identification: all chemicals are identified on the SDS together with their recommended uses. Included also are the contact information of the manufacturer and the supplier.
Section Two: Hazard Identification: the hazards of the chemical are also identified in the SDS and its appropriate warning information of that hazardous chemical.
Section Three: Composition on Ingredients: contained in the SDS is the ingredient in the product, including also is the impurities and its additives.
Section Four: First-aid Measures: describes the initial treatment done if ever accidents or exposure happens.
Section Five: Fire-fighting Measures: recommendation for any fire hazards happen and caused by this chemical.
Section Six: Accidental Release Measures: provides some recommendation on the response to whatever spills, leaks and releases. This will include clean-up practices to prevent exposure to people and environment.
Section Seven: Handling and Storage: it provides a proper guidance on safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage.
Section Eight: Exposure and Control Protection: exposed the limitation and engineering control and protective measures to minimize exposure to the workers.
Section Nine: Physical and Chemical Properties: Identify chemical and physical properties.
Section Ten: Stability and Reactivity: Relay information on the reactivity of such chemicals.
Section Eleven: Toxicological Information: Identifies the toxicological information.
Section Twelve: ecological Information: Provides information regarding ecological hazards.
Section Thirteen: Disposal Consideration: Provide guidance on proper disposal handling practices.
Section Fourteen: Transport Information: Provide guidance on proper classification on shipping and transporting on sea, air and land.
Section Fifteen: Regulatory Information: Provides information on safety, health and environmental regulations.
Section sixteen: Other Information: this will indicate if the chemical has made a last known revision.