Understanding Chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Chemical Safety Data Sheets play a vital role in the field of hazardous chemicals. Understanding chemical safety data sheets is crucial in order to handle chemicals legally and responsibly.

In this guide, we will delve deeper into this all-important document, find out who's responsible for them, what they should contain, and why.

What Is A Chemical Safety Data Sheet?

Chemical safety data sheets, otherwise known as SDS, are documents that provide important information about a hazardous chemical, including handling, potential hazards and emergency control methods. Each SDS contains 16 sections, and each section covers a specific part of the chemical safety procedures.

Displaying it in this format also makes it easier for the person using the chemical to locate the required information quickly. SDS's are regulated globally to ensure consistency and efficiency across the board.

Why Are SDS's Important?

Safety

Understanding how to appropriately handle, store and dispose of hazardous chemicals is essential to the safety of the user. Sound knowledge in this area will also reduce the risk of spills or toxic exposure.

Compliance

Under the Work Health and Safety laws, it is a legal responsibility for manufacturers to prepare an SDS for every one of their products, and it is the employer's role to check these are up-to-date, and permit access to all employees, contractors and emergency services.

Emergency Preparation

Emergency responders can access vital information quickly and efficiently within the SDS's in the event of an accident or chemical exposure.

Training

SDS's are a great way to provide training and additional knowledge regarding hazardous substances and how to handle them correctly.

The 16 Sections Of An SDS

1. Identification
2. Hazard identification
3. Composition and information on ingredients
4. First aid
5. Fire-fighting methods
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls and personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other relevant information

SDS Rules To Follow

An SDS must adhere to the following:

• Be written in English
• Contain Australian legal units of measurement
• Be reviewed every 5 years, and recorded appropriately
• If yet to be reviewed, it must include the date of preparation
• Include the name, address and telephone number of the Australian manufacturer or importer
• State an Australian business number to which information can be shared about the chemical in case of an emergency

SDS: Additional Factors To Consider

Check that it is Compliant - It's essential to adhere to the Work Health and Safety regulations by ensuring that the SDS is accurate for the chemical you are using. Simply check that the product name matches the name on the SDS.

Storing in the Workplace - It is the responsibility of the employer to make sure that all employees have access to the SDS for each chemical used. It is everyone's responsibility to keep the SDS's accurate and up to date.

Access - Access to an SDS can be provided to employees either electronically or via paper-based records. If computerised, it's important to make sure that all workers have access to the information, including logins and the required IT skills.

Understanding Chemical Safety Data Sheets: Final Thoughts

SDS's provide prompt, precise and dependable information regarding all elements of chemical handling. As they are formally regulated, it is essential that all SDS's are provided by manufacturers, granted access by managers and kept up to date and accurate by relevant employees.

This is to ensure the appropriate handling of otherwise dangerous chemicals, which aim to prevent hazards or emergencies. As they are globally unified, any person, including emergency responders, can quickly obtain the relevant information needed at any time.