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Overview of Safety Data Sheets

IN THIS ARTICLE

 

 

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

The safety data sheet is a document created or obtained by the supplier of the product. The SDS must be provided to the customer at the time of sale. (For hazardous products produced at the work site, the GigHound Client is responsible for creating the SDS for that product.)

 

The SDS provides more detailed information about the hazardous product than the label does.

 

GigHound Clients and workers use the information on the safety data sheet to protect themselves from hazards, for safe handling, storage and use procedures, and for emergency measures.

 

GigHound Clients must train their workers on how to understand and find information in an SDS.

 

 

Why do you need an SDS?

There are 4 basic questions that are answered by the SDS.

 

  1. What are the identities of the product and the supplier?
  2. What are the hazards?
    • Can this product harm my health?
    • What are the early warning symptoms and signs of overexposure?
    • Is this product a fire hazard?
    • Can this product explode or react if mixed with other products? Which ones?
  3. What precautions should I take to work safely with this product?
    • Is special ventilation needed?
    • Do I need to wear a respirator, gloves or other personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling this product?
  4. What do I do in the case of an emergency?

What do I do: 

        • In case of overexposure? 
        • In case of a spill? 
        • In case of a fire? 

 

Safety Data Sheets

They:

  • Have 16 sections
  • Have a variable number of pages
  • Are available for every hazardous product in your workplace that is covered by WHMIS
  • The GigHound Client must obtain or prepare them, and show you how to access them

There is a standardized format for the SDS. The information must always be in the same section, regardless of which supplier created the SDS.


TIP: If there are phrases or terms on the SDS that you don't understand, ask your supervisor, a member of your health and safety committee, a health and safety professional, or a WHMIS-trained union representative for help.

 

The 16 sections of information that must be present on an SDS are:

  1. Identification
  2. Hazard identification
  3. Composition/information on ingredients
  4. First-aid measures
  5. Fire-fighting measures
  6. Accidental release measures
  7. Handling and Storage
  8. Exposure controls/personal protection
  9. Physical and chemical properties
  10. Stability and reactivity
  11. Toxicological information
  12. Ecological information*
  13. Disposal considerations*
  14. Transport information*
  15. Regulatory information*
  16. Other information

* Sections 12, 13, 14 and 15 require the headings to be present, but under WHMIS, the supplier has the option to not provide information in these sections.

Follow the link to see what information is in each section of an SDS.

 

Questions Answered on a Safety Data Sheet

Follow the link to view a sample SDS.

Remember the four basic questions that the SDS should answer.

  1. Identity of the product and supplier?
    • This information is available in Section 1.
  2. Hazards of the product? 
    • Since the hazards can vary, make sure you check several sections:
      • Section 2: Hazard Identification
      • Section 5: Fire-fighting measures
      • Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
      • Section 10: Stability and Reactivity
      • Section 11: Toxicological Information
      • Section 12: Ecological Information
  3. Precautions you should take? 
    • Check the following sections: 
      • Section 5: Fire-fighting measures
      • Section 7: Handling and Storage
      • Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
      • Section 13: Disposal Considerations
  4. What to do in an emergency? 
    • Be prepared ahead of time by reviewing the following sections:
      • Section 4: First-aid Measures
      • Section 5: Fire-fighting Measures
      • Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

Hazard Control

The information on the SDS should be used along with your knowledge of the specific ways the product is used in your workplace to know what controls you need.


Look for recommendations about precautions. These statements could include safe handling and use, or be about ventilation (general or local exhaust) and personal protective equipment that may be needed.


When hazards are present, the SDS should describe the hazard and provide safety precautions.

 

Where do I find safety data sheets?

  • The GigHound Client will provide instructions on where to find them in your workplace during your workplace-specific WHMIS training
  • They must be readily available to everyone in the workplace
  • They may be stored in a binder or they may be stored electronically on a computer

 

SDSs Have More Information

 

For a product that is classified in "Skin corrosion ‒ Category 1", the label states "Danger. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage".


The SDS may also state:

  • Skin: Contact can cause pain, redness, burns and blistering
    • Permanent scarring can result
  • Eyes: Contact causes severe burns with redness, swelling, pain and blurred vision
    • Permanent damage including blindness can result

REMEMBER! Before you start using a product, be sure to read the SDS.