When we are looking for the hazardous properties of a substance, knowing what is on a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is usually a good place to start.
Hopefully, if the product is properly labelled, you will been able to tell relatively easily that there is reason to be cautious when using the material.
Information on the label should include hazard symbols, the main health risks, how to use the substance safely and first aid response measures. Watch our full video here >>>
Don’t forget, you can take the certificated Course version of this training content, right over here.
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
If a product is classed as ‘dangerous for supply’, then the producer is obligated to devise a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that should be made available to distributors and buyers of the product.
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides extensive information on a substance, its supplier and the safe handling and use of it.
The SDS helps us to then conduct chemical risk assessments around the workplace and ensure that each area is safe for work.
What is on a Safety Data Sheet?
In accordance with the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for classification and labelling, Safety Data Sheets should contain a pre-defined set of sections with specific information.
The 16 SDS sections are typically laid out as follows:
- 1. Identification
- 2. Hazards Identification
- 3. Composition/Ingredients
- 4. First Aid Measures
- 5. Fire Fighting Measures
- 6. Accidental Release Measures
- 7. Handling and Storage
- 8. Exposure Controls/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 Information
We won’t cover all of the sections in detail here, but we’ll pick out the most pertinent ones to make sure you don’t miss the information you need. Also, we will cross-reference some of the more nerdy, technical stuff where we think it might be helpful.
If you want to learn more about Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – check our extended blog post HERE, and of course, don’t miss our extended course on COSHH Assessment.
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