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For more detailed information view the WHMIS Canada site.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are summary documents that provide information about hazardous products and advice about safety precautions.
A Safety Data Sheet states:
the hazards of a product
how to use the product safely
what to expect if the recommendations are not followed
how to recognize symptoms of exposure
what to do if an emergency were to occur
SDS provide greater detail about the products than labels provide. SDS are important to help you learn more about the products you use.
Every product must have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), especially ones that are:
1. classified as a hazardous product under WHMIS.
2. intended for use, handling, or storage in a workplace in Canada.
Overview of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Information Sections
Thank you to Work Safe BC for providing the following information. WHMIS 2015 requires a standard 16-section SDS. All information on the SDS must appear in the order specified.
The SDS has four main purposes. It provides information in four main areas:
Identification - for the product and the supplier.
Hazards - physical (fire and reactivity) and health.
Prevention - steps you can take to work safely and reduce or prevent exposure.
Response - appropriate emergency response (eg. first aid, fire, accidental release).
The drop down sections below provide an overview of the 16-sections of a SDS and the information to be included within each section.
Identification
Product Name
Recommended use and restrictions on use
Supplier contact information
Emergency phone number
Hazard Identification
Classification (hazard and category)
Label elements
Pictogram
Signal word - either Danger or Warning
Hazard statements
Precautionary measures
Other hazards (eg. thermal hazards)
Composition
For a hazardous substance:
Chemical name
Common name and synonyms
Chemical Abstracts Service number (CAS No.)
Chemical name of impurities, stabilizing solvents and/or stabilizing additives
For a hazardous mixture:
Ingredients that present a Health Hazard
Chemical Name
Common name and synonyms
Chemical Abstracts Service number (CAS No.)
First Aid Measures
First aid measures by route of exposure (inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion)
Most important symptoms and effects
Fire Fighting Measures
Suitable extinguishing media
Unsuitable extinguishing media
Specific hazards
Special protective equipment
Precautions for fire-fighters
Accidental Release Measures
Protective equipment
Emergency procedures
Methods and materials for containment and clean-up
Handling and Storage
Precautions for safe handling
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Exposure limits
Engineering controls
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance
Odour
Odour threshold
pH
Melting/freezing point
Boiling point and range
Flash point
Upper and lower flammable or explosive limits
Stability and Reactivity
Reactivity
Chemical stability
Possible hazardous reactions
Conditions to avoid
Incompatible materials
Hazardous decomposition products
Toxicological Information
Description of various toxic effects by route of entry, including effects of acute or chronic exposure
Carcinogenicity
Reproductive effects
Respiratory sensitization
Ecological Information
Aquatic and terrestrial toxicity, if available
Persistence and degradability
Bioaccumulative potential
Mobility in soil
Disposal Considerations
Safe handling and methods of disposal, including contaminated packaging
Transport Information
UN number and proper shipping name
Hazard classes
Packing group
Regulatory Information
Safety, health and environmental regulations specific to the product
Other Information
Other information, including date of the latest revision of the SDS
SDS can be difficult to understand. However, employers must be able to explain the content of the SDS to workers in order for them to work safely with or near hazardous products.
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