Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are one of the cornerstones of any hazards communication, efficiently providing information related to both types of Chemical substances, singles and mixture/s to minimise the risks derived from their handling, storage and use.

This document is mainly aimed at professional or industrial users of Chemical products, together with the labelling, which, unlike the safety data sheets (SDS), is also aimed at consumers.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide users of Chemical products with the information required to help protect the health of workers and the environment, including specific instructions for the correct handling of the single substance or mixture/s in question.

They should determine whether any hazardous Chemical agents are present in the workplace and asses any risk to the health and safety of workers arising from their use.

In the vast majority of countries across the world, the format of safety data sheets is divided into sixteen clearly differentiated sections that must contain all the legally required information.

SDS should be:

• Written in a clear and concise manner so that they are understandable to the user.
• Adapted to the specific legislation of the country and written in the official language of the country where the materials are sold.
• Without a fixed length: the length of the safety data sheet should be commensurate with the hazard of the substance or mixture and the information available.

No, they are not. Each country has its own national legislation that affects both the configuration of the safety data sheet itself and the classification of the product.

It is necessary to take into consideration all the peculiarities of each country, such as:

• Country-specific Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) values.
• Country-specific internal legislation on safety and the environment.
• Inventory/ies of substances.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) should be prepared by companies selling Chemical substance/s or mixture/s, whether they are a manufacturer, exporter-importer, distributor, trader or seller and they should provide them free of charge together with the first delivery of products.

Although it is not necessary to update Safety Data Sheets within a certain period of time, it is recommended to regularly review the content in order to keep them updated.

However, SDS must be updated when:

• New information is obtained that affects risk management measures.
• New information is provided on hazards such as:

  • Changes in classification.
  • Changes in classification for transport.
  • Change in physico-chemical properties.
  • Others.

• - COMPLEXITY:

  Preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is a complex operation that requires the expert knowledge of qualified personnel.

• - VARIOUS LANGUAGES:

  It is necessary to comply with each country's national regulations and always provide the document in the official language(s).

• - CHANGES IN LEGISLATION:

  Additionally, there are constant changes in legislation, which mean that human resources are needed to keep this information updated.