The 16 Sections of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Explained

A GHS Safety Data Sheet has 16 sections in a fixed order, so that anyone can find the same information in the same place on any SDS. Here is what each section contains.

Section 1: Identification

The product identifier, recommended uses and restrictions on use, the supplier's name, address and phone number, and an emergency phone number. Under EU rules this section also carries the Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) for mixtures that need one.

Section 2: Hazard(s) identification

The GHS classification of the substance or mixture and the label elements: signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements and pictograms, plus any hazards not otherwise classified. This section must match the product label.

Section 3: Composition / information on ingredients

For a substance, its chemical identity, CAS number and impurities that affect classification. For a mixture, the hazardous ingredients with their identities and concentrations or ranges. Trade-secret claims have specific rules in each jurisdiction.

Section 4: First-aid measures

What to do for each route of exposure (inhalation, skin, eye, ingestion), the most important symptoms, and whether immediate medical attention or special treatment is needed.

Section 5: Fire-fighting measures

Suitable and unsuitable extinguishing media, hazards that arise from the chemical in a fire, and protective equipment and precautions for fire-fighters.

Section 6: Accidental release measures

Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures, environmental precautions, and methods and materials for containment and clean-up.

Section 7: Handling and storage

Precautions for safe handling, including hygiene measures, and conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities.

Section 8: Exposure controls / personal protection

Occupational exposure limits where they exist, appropriate engineering controls, and individual protection measures such as eye, skin and respiratory protection.

Section 9: Physical and chemical properties

Appearance, odour, pH, melting and boiling points, flash point, vapour pressure, density, solubility and other properties. State "no data available" where data does not exist rather than guessing.

Section 10: Stability and reactivity

Reactivity, chemical stability, possible hazardous reactions, conditions to avoid, incompatible materials and hazardous decomposition products.

Section 11: Toxicological information

Routes of exposure, symptoms, acute and chronic effects, and numerical measures of toxicity such as LD50 and LC50 values, with the data source.

Section 12: Ecological information

Ecotoxicity, persistence and degradability, bioaccumulation potential, mobility in soil and other adverse effects.

Section 13: Disposal considerations

Safe disposal methods for the chemical and its contaminated packaging, referring to the waste rules that apply.

Section 14: Transport information

The UN number, UN proper shipping name, transport hazard class, packing group and environmental hazards for each mode (road, rail, sea, air), plus special precautions.

Section 15: Regulatory information

Safety, health and environmental regulations specific to the product, such as inventory status and any restrictions that apply in the destination market.

Section 16: Other information

The date of preparation or last revision and anything else useful, such as changes since the previous version, abbreviations and key references.

Are all 16 sections mandatory?

The standard requires all 16 headings. In the United States, OSHA does not enforce the content of Sections 12 to 15 because they fall under other agencies, but the headings must still appear. In the EU and UK, all sections are required.