Understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Specific information on the physical properties of hazardous chemicals must be supplied, on request, to all employees in the form of an SDS. These SDSs are provided by the manufacturer or supplier whenever a hazardous material is purchased. SDS information is available for review at the “Right to Know” stations within the maintenance shop and administration building. Information provided in a SDS is based on the results of specific testing procedures designed to determine the toxic and hazardous characteristics of each material. The information contained in the SDS will inform you of the properties of the chemicals you work with, and to explain how these materials may be handled safely.SDSs may have a varying number of sections, but they are usually broken down into nine sections (they may also vary in order). A typical SDS is two (2) pages in length, but vary from one to twenty or more pages. A typical SDS is broken down (and briefly summarized) as follows:
- Chemical and Product Identification: This section gives the chemical and trade name (s) of the product. It also lists the name and address of the manufacturer, as well as a twenty-four hour emergency telephone number. It should also give the date that the SDS was written or revised.
- Composition, Information on Ingredients: This section lists all of the hazardous components of the material and their percent composition. It usually gives the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and/or Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for each component.
- Hazards Identification:Acute effects on skin, eyes, respiratory system and internal harm if swallowed. This section provides detailed information on the physical properties of the material. Also, may list carcinogenic effects, chronic effects.
- First Aid Measures: Manufacturer recommendation for immediate treatment in case of eye, skin contact. Also, remedies for inhalation and ingestion.
- Fire Fighting Measures: Section gives flammable limits, flash point, flammability, fire hazard and extinguishing procedures.This section explains how to extinguish fires involving the product, and lists the specific type of fire extinguisher necessary. It also gives the flash point for the product. This is the temperature at which the product will give off sufficient vapors to ignite in the presence of an ignition source (such as a spark or flame). Other information such as upper and lower explosive limits are given.
- Accidental Release Measures: Spill clean up processes, as well as ventilation recommendations. For example, vapor pressure indicates how rapidly the material evaporates, and vapor density is an indication of whether the vapor will rise or sink in the air.
- Handling and Storage: Information on exposure controls, such as breathing vapors and heat avoidance. Puncture warnings, incineration dangers, etc. Pressure warnings and storage temperature requirements.
- Exposure Controls, Personal Protection:PPE recommended for eyes, body and respiratory protection.
- Physical and Chemical Properties: This section will list the physical state, pH, boiling point, specific gravity, solubility.
- Stability and Reactivity Data:This section provides information on appropriate precautions regarding materials which decompose dangerously, or which are hazardous if allowed to mix with other chemicals. It may give conditions to be avoided, incompatibility with other chemicals or compounds.
- Toxicological Information: Toxicity to animals, other organisms.
- Ecological Information: Toxicity to the environment, whether the chemical is biodegradable.
- Disposal Considerations: Discarding directions, regulated or non, state and local environmental control regulations.
- Transport Information: Gives proper shipping names, DOT classifications of product.
- Regulatory Information: Federal Regulatory information, such as clean water act restrictions, release reporting requirements, etc.
- Other Information: Here, the manufacturer may place the NFPA and HMIS labeling and warning symbols.