Using safety data sheets is a fundamental part of safe chemical management in the workplace. But what does it actually mean to use a safety data sheet in practice? A safety data sheet (SDS) is much more than just documentation – it is an invaluable guide for understanding the risks associated with chemicals and taking the appropriate safety measures. By interpreting and applying the information in an SDS, you can prevent accidents, protect health, and ensure that both employees and the environment remain safe.
In this article, we explain how to use a safety data sheet in practice, why it is so important, and how it can help you comply with legislation and create a safe working environment.
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
A safety data sheet (SDS) is a document, either digital or physical, associated with a specific chemical product. It contains vital information aimed at preventing harm to both people and the environment. SDSs must comply with national and European regulations and be readily accessible to professional users and resellers.
The document is prepared by the supplier or EU importer and must be kept updated with the latest information. The requirements for when an SDS is needed are laid out in Article 31 of the REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006), while guidelines for its format are provided in Annex II of the same regulation.
By using the information in the safety data sheets in your work with chemicals, you can prevent accidents and protect your health and the environment.
In this article we walk you through safety data sheets, what they are and when you need them.
How Can You Use Safety Data Sheets in Practice?
Depending on which part of your work involves handling chemicals, you can use the information in a safety data sheet in various ways. This may concern the transport and storage of chemicals, working with a chemical product, or waste management. The information in a safety data sheet is also crucial in the event of an accident. Below, we outline how you can practically apply the SDS information in your chemical handling tasks.
Upon Receiving and Storing a Product
The first thing you should do when you receive a chemical product along with its SDS is to review Section 2 of the sheet. Section 2 lists hazardous properties, giving you a quick overview of the product’s hazard classification and risks. Here you will find:
- Hazard pictograms warns of specific risks, such as flammability, toxicity, or corrosiveness.
- H-statements (hazard statements) describing specific risks, e.g., “may cause serious eye damage” or “flammable liquid.”
- P-statements (precautionary statements) offering advice on protective measures, such as “wear protective gloves,” “store in a cool place,” or “avoid inhalation of vapour.”
Once you have gained an overview of the product’s properties, move on to Section 7, Handling and Storage. Here, guidance is provided on how to handle the product and under what conditions it should be stored to minimise risks. This could include temperature requirements, ventilation needs, sensitivity to light, or incompatibility with other types of products. It is important to follow the instructions in this section to keep your workplace safe.
Finally, consult Section 10, Stability and Reactivity. This section offers further information about conditions to avoid, such as hazardous chemical reactions that might occur when the product is heated or mixed with other substances.
Example:
You have a product classified as a “flammable liquid” with hazard statement H225 (highly flammable liquid and vapour) and are recommended to store it in a cool, ventilated, fire-safe cabinet according to Section 7. Additionally, Section 10 states that it must not be stored near flammable aerosols. You must therefore ensure these requirements are met when choosing a storage location.
When Working Practically with a Product
When working with a chemical product, it is crucial to focus on the safety data sheet sections that provide information about risks, safe handling, and protective measures. The key sections to review are:
Section 2 – Hazards Identification
Here, you will find hazard pictograms and hazard statements warning of specific risks. These may range from flammability to severe eye damage. For your own health, it is essential to also note the P-statements advising on protective measures, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and storage guidelines.
Section 4 – First Aid Measures
This section explains what to do if you or someone else is exposed to the product through skin contact, inhalation, eye contact, or ingestion. Having this information readily available is vital for providing quick and correct first aid in the event of exposure.
Section 5 – Firefighting Measures
If the product is flammable or may react in a fire, this section details:
- Suitable extinguishing agents
- Specific fire hazards, e.g., emission of hazardous gases
- Protective equipment required for fire-fighting personnel
Section 8 – Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
This section is critical for protecting your health and covers:
- Protective measures: Which PPE is needed, such as gloves, safety goggles, or respiratory protection
- Ventilation: Ventilation requirements and other technical precautions to minimise exposure
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In Case of an Accident
Despite safe working practices, accidents can still occur. If an accident or spill happens while handling a product, it is important to know where to find key information in the safety data sheet. The most important sections to consult are:
Section 1 – Identification of the Substance/Mixture and the Company
Look for the UFI code; have it ready if you need to contact a poison information centre.
Section 2 – Hazards Identification
Be familiar with the hazard pictograms and hazard statements. These give a quick overview of how the product might harm you or the environment — for example, whether it is corrosive if spilled on your hand or toxic if ingested.
Read more about hazard pictograms and learn to recognise them.
Section 4 – First Aid Measures
As mentioned above, this section provides vital guidance for giving appropriate first aid after exposure.
Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures
Instructions for handling spills or leaks, including:
- Measures to contain the release
- Cleaning methods and materials safe for use during spill clean-up
When Disposing of Product Waste or Contaminated Materials
Section 13 – Disposal Considerations
This section gives guidance on handling, treating, and safely disposing of waste from chemical products. It also provides advice for cases where waste is classified as hazardous, including labelling/packaging requirements before disposal. Information about packaging disposal is also included.
Start by checking if the product is classified as hazardous waste and follow the recommended disposal methods for both the product and its packaging. Follow all precautions to prevent environmental harm, and avoid disposing of the product down drains or mixing it with other waste that could cause dangerous reactions. If a waste code is provided, it should be used when documenting and reporting waste disposal to authorities or waste management providers.
When Introducing a New Product into the Organisation
When introducing a new product into your organisation, it is advisable to ask the supplier whether an exposure scenario (ES) is available. Information on whether an ES exists can sometimes be found in the SDS, and if so, you should request access to it.
First, ensure the safety data sheet is up to date (preferably not older than three years) and that the intended use of the product, stated in Section 1.2, matches your company’s intended use.
Then check Section 2 for classification and other hazardous properties. Some classifications should be avoided. Products classified as CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic) (H350, H340, H360), causing allergy- or asthma-like symptoms or breathing difficulties upon inhalation (H334), or with high acute toxicity (H300, H310, H330) should only be introduced if there is a specific need and no safer alternatives exist.
Also review Section 3 to check if the product contains prohibited or restricted substances (REACH Annex XVII).
Once the company has decided to bring in a new chemical product, the handling must be risk assessed, and protective sheets/instructions should be developed. Several sections may be relevant depending on how hazardous the product is (based on classification) and the quantities involved.
I denna artikel går vi igenom hur du gör en riskbedömning av kemiska produkter och vad som är viktigt att tänka på.
When Unloading Goods
Before you begin unloading goods, it is important to read the accompanying safety data sheets. In Section 14, you can check whether the goods are classified as dangerous for transport. Dangerous goods require, among other things, appropriate training to ensure safe handling.
You also need to know if the product requires specific handling or storage conditions — for example, it may not be stackable, must be protected from direct sunlight, or stored at a certain temperature. This information can be found in Section 7.
Protective equipment may also be necessary when handling the product or goods, information for which can be found in Section 8.
Additionally, ensure that the correct first aid equipment is available at the unloading site. Accidents can occur at all stages of product handling, including unloading. Therefore, review Section 4 to check whether additional first aid equipment is needed. The same applies to firefighting equipment, information for which is available in Section 5.
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