Safety Data Sheet

The HCS 2012 requires that information on the SDS be presented in a standard, 16-section
format with the most critical information about hazards, safety, and emergency control
measures found in the first eight sections.

Section 1

Identification • Product identifier used on the label

• Other means of identification, such as common name
• Recommended use of the chemical and restrictions on use
• Name, address, and telephone number of the chemical
manufacturer, importer, or another responsible party
• Emergency phone number

Section 2

Hazard(s) identification • Classification of the chemical (for example, flammable liquid,

category)
• Signal word, hazard statement(s), symbol(s) and
precautionary statement(s)
• Description of hazards not otherwise classified

Section 3:

Composition/information For Substances:

on ingredients
• Chemical name
• Common name and synonyms
• CAS number (the number assigned by the Chemical
Abstracts Service to every chemical in the literature) and
other unique identifiers
• Impurities and stabilizing additives
For Mixtures:
• Same information as for Substances
• The chemical name and concentration of all ingredients
classified as health hazards
Section 4:

First-aid measures • Description of necessary measures to be taken by untrained

responders subdivided according to routes of exposure
(inhalation, skin and eye contact, and ingestion)
• Most important symptoms/effects
• Indication of immediate medical attention and special
treatment when necessary

Section 5

Fire-fighting measures • Suitable and unsuitable extinguishing media

• Specific hazards (for example, the nature of any hazardous
combustion products)
• Special protective equipment and precautions for fire-fighters

Section 6

Accidental release • Recommendations on an appropriate response to spills,

measures leaks, or releases
• Personal precautions, protective equipment, and emergency
procedures
• Methods and materials for containment and clean up

Section 7

Handling and storage • Precautions for safe handling

• Conditions for safe storage

Section 8

Exposure • Exposure limits used or recommended by the chemical

controls/personal manufacturer, importer, or employer
protection
• Appropriate engineering controls
• Individual protection measures, such as personal protective
equipment
The other sections of the SDS provide more detailed and non-mandatory information. Sections
8 through 11 and 16 contain technical and scientific information. Sections 12 through 15
include non-mandatory information relating to agencies other than OSHA and are not
discussed in this course.

Section 9

Physical and chemical (a) Appearance (physical state, color, etc.)

properties (b) Odor
(c) Odor threshold
(d) pH
(e) Melting point/freezing point
(f) Initial boiling point and boiling range
(g) Flash point
(h) Evaporation rate
(i) Flammability (solid, gas)
(j) Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits
(k) Vapor pressure
(l) Vapor density
(m) Relative density
(n) Solubility(ies)
(o) Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water
(p) Auto-ignition temperature
(q) Decomposition temperature
(r) Viscosity

Section 10

Stability and reactivity • Reactivity

• Chemical stability
• Possibility of hazardous reactions
• Conditions to avoid (for example, static discharge, shock, or
vibration)
• Incompatible materials
• Hazardous decomposition products that could be produced
by the use, storage or heating
Section 11

Toxicological information Description of the various toxicological health effects, including:

• Likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin and
eye contact)
• Symptoms
• Delayed, immediate, and chronic effects from short- and
long-term exposure
• Numerical measures of toxicity (such as acute toxicity
estimates)
• Whether the hazardous chemical is a potential carcinogen
Section 12

Ecological information This section is non-mandatory.

Section 13

Disposal considerations This section is non-mandatory.

Section 14

Transport information This section is non-mandatory.

Section 15

Regulatory information This section is non-mandatory.

Section 16

Other Information Other information, including date of preparation or last revision

of the SDS.