Safety Data Sheets
The Hazard Communication Standard, NJ Worker-Right-to-Know and Lab Safety standards require that all NJ school districts make Safety Data Sheets, SDS, (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety Data Sheets) accessible to employees when they are in their workplace.
What is A Safety Data Sheet?
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), revised in 2012, requires that the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information on these hazards. The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.
How do you obtain an SDS?
The link below will take you to folders containing workplace specific SDSs. The SDSs are in PDF format and printable.
Other methods for obtaining a SDS include:
- Performing an Internet search. Most companies have SDSs for the chemicals they sell available on their websites.
- Contact the manufacturer of the chemical or product directly and request a copy. They must supply you with a copy.
- The manufacturer or distributor of hazardous substances is required to provide an SDS for every substance that they distribute with the initial shipment. Be sure to file and keep these when they are received
Typical Information found on a Safety Data Sheet
As of June 1, 2015, the Hazard Communication Standard requires new SDSs to be in a uniform format, and include the section numbers, the headings, and associated information under the headings below:
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 and 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 and chemical properties lists the chemical's characteristics.
Section 10 - Stability and 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*
Section 13 - Disposal considerations*
Section 14 - Transport information*
Section 15 - Regulatory information*
Section 16 - Other information, includes the date of preparation or last revision.
*Note: Since other Agencies regulate this information, OSHA will not be enforcing Sections 12 through 15 (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(2)).
Tutorial
The button below brings you to a video tutorial titled "Understanding GHS Safety Data Sheets" by OSHA Training Service Inc.