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What is a Safety Data Sheet?


What is a Safety Data Sheet?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly known as a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a document that provides detailed information about a chemical’s hazards. It includes the chemical’s properties, its effects on health and the environment, and guidelines for managing and mitigating associated risks.

Why is a Safety Data Sheet Important?

Safety Data Sheets are crucial for protecting users and workplaces from accidents, fires, explosions, or fatalities related to the storage, use, and transportation of hazardous chemicals. In case of a fire, firefighters can refer to the SDS for proper extinguishing methods. If accidental ingestion occurs, health and safety personnel can use the SDS for first aid instructions.

What Does a Good Safety Data Sheet Require?

A good SDS should:

  • Be prepared by a competent manufacturer who ensures compliance.
  • Be provided by the distributor, supplier, or manufacturer at no cost.
  • Be stored in an accessible location for everyone, including emergency services.
  • Be known and understood by employees.
  • Contain 16 specific headings.
  • Be dated and include page numbers.
  • Be clear and easy to understand.

How Long Does an SDS Last?

It is recommended to update and revise your SDS every five years. The preparation date for Green Rhino Safety Data Sheets is usually found in section 1, while for other SDS, it can be found in section 16.

What Are the Different Sections of an SDS?

A properly written SDS includes the following 16 headings:

  1. Identification of the material and the supplier
  2. Hazards Identification
  3. Composition / Information on Ingredients
  4. First Aid Measures
  5. Fire Fighting Measures
  6. Accidental Release Measures
  7. Handling and Storage
  8. Exposure Control / Personal Protection
  9. Physical and Chemical Properties
  10. Stability and Reactivity
  11. Toxicological Information
  12. Ecotoxicological Information
  13. Disposal Considerations
  14. Transport Information
  15. Regulatory Information
  16. Other Information

Where Can I Find ECOGleNZ Safety Data Sheets?

ECOGleNZ Safety Data Sheets can be downloaded from their dedicated product page. There is also a specific Safety Data Sheet page for downloading multiple SDS, which can be found here.