What are Safety Data Sheets (SDS) previously Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)?

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) is what Safety Data Sheets (SDS) were called before the US Federal agency, OSHA, implemented its version of the Global Harmonized System (GHS) for the Hazard Communication standard.  In everyday terminology, the two terms are used interchangeably, however, strictly speaking, SDS's have a structured format and required information that MSDS's were not required to have.

 

Safety Data Sheet Access

To access County and Department electronic Safety Data Sheet files, go to the following link.  If you have difficulty logging in, please contact your supervisor or the Risk Management Division. 

 

SDS Section Breakdown

California’s HazCom Regulation is aligned with federal OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910 section 1200 regulation, which in turn incorporates components of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.  The GHS requires that all manufacturers break out their SDS sheets consistently in the below 16 section format:

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, 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 & Storage lists precautions for safe handling and storage, including incompatibilities.

Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection lists OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs); ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs); and any other exposure limit used or recommended by the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer preparing the SDS where available as well as appropriate engineering controls; personal protective equipment (PPE).

Section 9: Physical & Chemical Properties lists the chemical’s characteristics.

Section 10: Stability & 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 provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the chemical(s) if it were 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 that is not indicated anywhere else on the SDS. 

Section 16: Other Information includes the date of preparation or last revision

 

References and Resources