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Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

What is a Safety Data Sheet?​

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that provides comprehensive information about a hazardous chemical, including:

  • Chemical identification and hazards
  • Safe handling and storage
  • Emergency procedures
  • Exposure controls and PPE requirements

Former Name: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) - now superseded by SDS under GHS.

Who Must Prepare SDS?​

Manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals must prepare SDS before first supply.

Suppliers must provide current SDS with first supply and when SDS updated.

When is SDS Required?​

SDS required for all hazardous chemicals supplied for use in workplaces.

Exception: Consumer products in original packaging (if same as retail).

SDS Format - 16 Sections (GHS)​

SDS must follow standardized 16-section format:

Section 1: Identification

  • Product identifier (chemical name)
  • Manufacturer/supplier details
  • Recommended uses
  • Emergency contact number

Section 2: Hazard Identification

  • GHS classification (health, physical, environmental hazards)
  • Signal word (Danger or Warning)
  • Hazard statements
  • Precautionary statements
  • Pictograms

Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients

  • Chemical identity of ingredients
  • Concentration ranges
  • CAS numbers

Section 4: First Aid Measures

  • Symptoms of exposure
  • First aid by exposure route (inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion)
  • Medical attention requirements

Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures

  • Suitable extinguishing media
  • Unsuitable extinguishing media
  • Specific hazards (toxic fumes, etc.)
  • Special firefighting equipment

Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

  • Personal precautions
  • Environmental precautions
  • Containment and cleanup methods

Section 7: Handling and Storage

  • Safe handling precautions
  • Conditions for safe storage
  • Incompatible materials

Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

  • Exposure standards (workplace exposure limits)
  • Engineering controls (ventilation, etc.)
  • PPE (respiratory, eye, hand, skin protection)

Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties

  • Appearance, odor
  • pH, melting/boiling point
  • Flammability, vapor pressure
  • Other physical data

Section 10: Stability and Reactivity

  • Chemical stability
  • Possible hazardous reactions
  • Conditions to avoid
  • Incompatible materials
  • Hazardous decomposition products

Section 11: Toxicological Information

  • Routes of exposure
  • Acute and chronic health effects
  • Numerical toxicity data (LD50, LC50)

Section 12: Ecological Information

  • Environmental fate
  • Aquatic/terrestrial toxicity
  • Persistence and degradability

Section 13: Disposal Considerations

  • Waste disposal methods
  • Regulatory requirements

Section 14: Transport Information

  • UN number
  • Proper shipping name
  • Transport hazard class
  • Packing group

Section 15: Regulatory Information

  • Australian regulatory information
  • Poisons schedule (if applicable)

Section 16: Other Information

  • Date of preparation/revision
  • Key to abbreviations
  • Disclaimer

Using SDS​

Before Using Chemical​

Read SDS to understand:

  • What hazards does it present?
  • How should it be stored?
  • What controls are needed?
  • What PPE is required?
  • What to do in emergency (spill, exposure, fire)?

During Risk Assessment​

SDS provides:

  • Hazard identification (Section 2)
  • Exposure standards (Section 8)
  • Information to select controls (Sections 7, 8)

For Emergency Response​

SDS specifies:

  • First aid (Section 4)
  • Fire-fighting (Section 5)
  • Spill response (Section 6)

Training Workers​

Use SDS to:

  • Explain hazards
  • Demonstrate safe handling
  • Show proper PPE use
  • Practice emergency procedures

PCBU Duties​

Obtain SDS​

Must obtain SDS:

  • Before using hazardous chemical for first time
  • When SDS updated by supplier

How to obtain:

  • Request from supplier (supplier must provide)
  • Download from manufacturer website

Make SDS Accessible​

Must ensure:

  • SDS readily accessible to all workers using the chemical
  • Available during work hours
  • Available to emergency responders

Methods:

  • Hard copy register (binder, filing cabinet)
  • Electronic system (computer, tablet)
  • Combination

Location:

  • Near where chemical used/stored
  • Portable for remote work

Keep SDS Current​

Update when:

  • Supplier provides revised SDS (within 5 years minimum)
  • Chemical formulation changes
  • New hazard information available

Review:

  • Check SDS date (Section 16)
  • Contact supplier for updates if SDS >5 years old

What if SDS Not Provided?​

If supplier fails to provide SDS:

  • Request in writing
  • Do not use chemical until SDS obtained
  • Report to SafeWork NSW if supplier refuses

Never use unlabeled or undocumented chemicals.

SDS vs Label​

SDS:

  • Comprehensive information (16 sections)
  • Detailed safety data
  • Used for risk assessment, training, emergencies

Label:

  • Summary information
  • On chemical container
  • Quick reference for users

Both required - they complement each other.

See Labelling of Hazardous Chemicals.

Practical Construction Example​

Chemical: Two-pack epoxy floor coating

Before Use:

Read SDS:

  • Section 2: Hazards identified - skin sensitizer, flammable vapors, harmful if inhaled
  • Section 7: Store in cool, well-ventilated area, keep away from ignition sources
  • Section 8: Exposure standard for vapors, requires ventilation, PPE: nitrile gloves, organic vapor respirator, safety glasses
  • Section 5: Use CO₂ or dry chemical extinguisher (not water)

Risk Assessment:

  • High risk: Skin contact (sensitization), vapor inhalation
  • Controls needed: Ventilation, PPE, fire safety

Controls Implemented:

  • Forced ventilation in enclosed area
  • Nitrile gloves (epoxy-resistant)
  • Fitted organic vapor respirators
  • Safety glasses
  • Fire extinguisher (dry chemical) on-site
  • No hot work permitted

Training:

  • Workers shown SDS
  • Explained sensitization risk (avoid skin contact)
  • Demonstrated proper glove removal
  • Practiced respirator fit check

Emergency Prep:

  • First aid for skin contact: Remove with waterless cleaner, wash with soap and water (Section 4)
  • Spill kit available (absorbent pads, waste bags - Section 6)
  • Emergency contact number programmed in phone

SDS Location:

  • Copy in site supervisor's vehicle
  • Electronic copy on tablet
  • Copy displayed in work area

Code of Practice Reference​