Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) Information Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are informational sheets required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for hazardous substances (chemicals). The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and the Iowa Hazardous Chemical Risks Right to Know Standard (Iowa Administrative Code Section 875, Chapters 110-140) requires SDSs be “readily accessible” for any hazardous chemical in the workplace. Employees must be made aware of the SDS content and chemical storage location. SDSs can be obtained from manufacturers and distributors at the time of initial shipment. Each university workplace must maintain an SDS for each hazardous chemical in its inventory. SDSs that are available electronically meet the “readily accessible” criteria, as long as computer access is available to all employees whenever work is being conducted. EH&S suggests that each workspace also maintain paper copies of commonly used hazardous chemicals for ease of access. OSHA requires specific information be included on an SDS, in a 16-section format as described in the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The SDS must be in English and must include at least the following information: 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 techniques, 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. Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection lists OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), appropriate engineering controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties lists the chemical’s characteristics. Section 10: Stability and Reactivity lists chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions. Section 11: Toxicological Information includes routes of exposure; related symptoms, acute and chronic effects; numerical measures of toxicity. Section 12: Ecological Information lists the environmental impact of the chemical(s) if released to the environment. Section 13: Disposal Considerations provides guidance on proper disposal practices, recycling or reclamation of the chemical(s) or its container, and safe handling practices. Section 14: Transport Information provides guidance on classification information for shipping and transporting of hazardous chemical(s) by road, air, rail or sea. Section 15: Regulatory Information identifies the safety, health and environmental regulations specific for the product. Section 16: Other Information includes the date of preparation or last revision. See the OSHA Brief o n Safety Data Sheets for a detailed description of SDS contents.