SDS
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that contains information on the potential health effects of exposure and how to work safely with the chemical product. It contains hazard evaluations on the use, storage, handling and emergency procedures all related to that material. It is intended to tell what the hazards of the product are, how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, what to do if accidents occur, how to recognize symptoms of overexposure, and what to do if such incidents occur.
SDSs should be the first source of information about the hazards associated with a chemical.
Typically, SDSs will contain the following information, usually in separate sections on the sheet:
- name, address, and phone number of manufacturer
- chemical name, synonyms, and Chemical Abstracts (CAS) Number
- physical properties
- a listing of hazardous constituents for mixtures
- health hazard information
- first-aid measures
- fire fighting measures
- handling and storage precautions
- exposure controls/personal protection
- stability and reactivity
Newer SDSs will contain the following additional information:
- toxicological information
- ecological information
- disposal considerations
- transport information
- regulatory information
SDS Resource Links
MSDS for Infectious Biological Materials - Public Health Agency of Canada
Vermont MSDS - Vermont Safety in Research Institute
Scott Specialty Gases - Compressed gas
Laguna Clay - Ceramic Raw Materials