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Preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Part 4

The remaining SDS sections (9–16)

MSDS-Europe – Safety data sheet knowledge base – Preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Part 4: The remaining SDS sections (9–16)

In our previous article (Preparing SDS – Part 3), we covered the first eight sections of the SDS, from identification to exposure controls and personal protection.

Now let’s continue with the rest of the document. Sections 9–16 provide essential information on the product’s physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, health and environmental effects, as well as instructions for disposal and information on applicable regulations.

Although these sections are perhaps less “action-oriented” than the first eight, they are just as important for a complete picture—especially for specialists (e.g., environmental managers and waste management professionals).

Let’s examine what each of SDS Sections 9–16 contains:

Section 9: Physical and chemical properties

Section 9 lists the key physical and chemical characteristics of the product. This includes, for example, physical state (liquid, solid, gas), color, odor, density, pH, boiling point, melting point, flash point (for flammable liquids), flammability, vapor pressure, solubility (in water and other solvents), viscosity, decomposition temperature, etc.

All properties relevant to safe handling should be provided here. For example, if a liquid evaporates easily and is flammable, it may have a low flash point (e.g., “Flash point: 23 °C”). Such data help users understand how the substance behaves during storage and use—for instance, that it should not be stored in an open container in warm conditions.

If data for a particular property are not available, the SDS should indicate whether the property is not available or not applicable.

Section 10: Stability and reactivity

Section 10 describes how stable the substance or mixture is and what conditions or materials could cause hazardous reactions.

It covers reactivity and chemical stability (for example: “Stable under normal conditions.”), as well as the possibility of hazardous reactions (e.g., “May react violently with strong oxidizing agents, generating heat.”).

This section lists conditions to avoid (heat, light, moisture, shock, etc., where relevant), incompatible materials (e.g., acids, bases, oxidizing agents), and hazardous decomposition products that may form during decomposition or combustion (e.g., toxic gases).

This information helps users prevent decomposition or hazardous reactions during storage, handling, and use.

Section 11: Toxicological information

Section 11 outlines the effects of the substance or mixture on health. It summarizes available toxicological information, covering both acute and chronic effects.

This includes, for example, likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin contact) and associated effects. Where available, it may include values such as LD₅₀ (dose lethal to 50% of test animals), LC₅₀, results of irritation tests, sensitization, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity (CMR endpoints), specific target organ toxicity (STOT), and aspiration hazard.

Symptoms that may occur following exposure are also described (for example, headache, dizziness, skin redness). For mixtures, health effects are often derived from test data (where available) and/or assessment based on the hazardous ingredients. If the product does not warrant classification for certain health hazards, that should be stated accordingly (e.g., “Based on available data, the mixture is not classified for acute toxicity.”).

This section is critical for occupational health professionals and physicians, as it supports risk evaluation and medical decision-making.

Section 12: Ecological information

Section 12 summarizes the product’s effects on the environment.

It presents ecotoxicological data such as aquatic toxicity (LC₅₀/EC₅₀ values for fish, daphnia, algae), degradation (biodegradability), bioaccumulative potential, mobility in soil, and the PBT/vPvB assessment (whether the substance is persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB)).

This section explains what may happen if the chemical is released into the environment. For example: “Not readily biodegradable; highly toxic to aquatic life (LC₅₀ < 1 mg/L for fish).” If the product is hazardous to the environment, users are warned accordingly (e.g., do not allow it to enter soil or waterways).

If no data are available, or if the product is considered not harmful to the environment based on available information, this should also be indicated.

This section is important for environmental protection and waste management planning.

Section 13: Disposal considerations

Section 13 provides guidance on handling the product (and its packaging) when it becomes waste.

It describes how to dispose of or treat the product and its containers safely and in accordance with applicable requirements. It may include a recommended waste code (e.g., European Waste Catalogue (EWC) code) and guidance on whether the waste should be treated as hazardous. For example: “Collect product residues and contaminated packaging in accordance with hazardous waste requirements. Do not discharge into drains. Dispose of residues via a licensed waste treatment facility.”

Relevant national requirements may also be referenced where appropriate.

This section helps users manage waste correctly and minimize environmental pollution.

Section 14: Transport information

Section 14 summarizes how the substance/mixture is classified for transport under international dangerous goods transport regulations.

It lists the UN number, the proper shipping name (e.g., “UN 1993 Flammable liquid, n.o.s.”), transport hazard class, packing group (I, II, or III), and any special provisions. Separate entries may be provided for ADR/RID (road/rail), IMDG (sea), and ICAO/IATA (air) where relevant.

If the product is not classified as dangerous goods for transport, that should be clearly stated (e.g., “Not classified as dangerous goods under ADR/RID, IMDG, ICAO/IATA”).

This section is primarily used by logistics and shipping personnel to ensure compliance with dangerous goods transport requirements.

Section 15: Regulatory information

Section 15 lists other regulatory information applicable to the substance or mixture that has not been addressed elsewhere in the SDS.

For example, it may indicate whether a substance is listed on regulatory lists (such as the REACH Candidate List of SVHC or the REACH Annex XIV authorization list), whether any ingredients are subject to restrictions (REACH Annex XVII), and any relevant national rules (e.g., occupational safety or environmental legislation).

This section may also state whether a chemical safety assessment under REACH has been carried out for the substance (where applicable).

In practice, Section 15 serves as a “legal summary” to help companies identify and manage key regulatory obligations related to the product.

Section 16: Other information

Section 16 contains other information that did not fit into previous sections but is still relevant or required.

Commonly, this is where abbreviations are explained (e.g., PBT, vPvB, LC50) and references/sources are provided (e.g., literature, databases, and legislation used). It may also include a disclaimer stating that the information is provided to the best of the supplier’s knowledge and that it remains the user’s responsibility to comply with applicable requirements for their specific use.

Often, Section 16 also lists the full text of all H statements referenced elsewhere in the SDS (for example, those cited in Section 3). Additional relevant safety information may also be included (e.g., “For industrial use only.”).

With this, we have reviewed all 16 sections of the safety data sheet. As we can see, an SDS covers essential information about the product: what it is, which hazardous substances it contains, what risks they pose, how to handle it safely, what to do in case of fire or accident, and how to transport or dispose of it.

A well-prepared SDS therefore serves as a comprehensive tool for safe handling and regulatory compliance. It is crucial that the information is accurate and up to date.

Ensuring accuracy in practice requires using authoritative information sources and databases when collecting physical and chemical, toxicological, ecotoxicological, and regulatory data for Sections 9–16.

(In the final part of this series, we address special cases and practical tips—such as how to handle exposure scenario annexes (extended SDS), how to avoid common mistakes in SDS preparation, and how to use SDSs effectively in everyday work.)

Further parts: