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Preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Part 3

The first 8 sections of the SDS in detail

MSDS-Europe – Safety data sheet knowledge base – Preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Part 3: The first 8 sections of the SDS in detail

In the previous parts, we discussed why a safety data sheet is needed and how to approach compiling an SDS.

Now let’s turn to the document itself: what information does a safety data sheet contain? As mentioned, an SDS has a standard structure comprising 16 main sections. These sections ensure that all essential data are provided in a consistent format.

Before completing Sections 1–8, it is strongly recommended to consult authoritative information sources and databases for safety data sheets, so that identification data, classifications and exposure information are all based on verified references.

In this part, we will review Sections 1–8, which cover key information from identification of the substance/mixture to exposure controls and personal protection.

Section 1: Identification of the substance/mixture and of the company/undertaking

Section 1 of the SDS contains the product identification details. The exact name of the substance or mixture must be provided, along with relevant identifiers (e.g. CAS number, EC number) and, for mixtures, the unique formula identifier (UFI) (where applicable). It also includes the name, address and contact details of the manufacturer or supplier, and an emergency telephone number (for example, a poison centre number or another designated emergency contact).

In addition, the SDS may indicate the product’s identified use(s) and uses advised against.

This section ensures that anyone reading the SDS can immediately identify the product and know whom to contact for further information, including in an emergency.

Section 2: Hazards identification

Section 2 presents the product’s hazard classification according to the CLP Regulation, as well as the corresponding labelling elements. This includes the hazard pictograms, the signal word (for example, “Danger” or “Warning”), the hazard statements (H statements) (e.g. H225 – Highly flammable liquid and vapour), and the precautionary statements (P statements).

If the mixture is not classified as hazardous, that must be stated here. If there are other hazards that are not covered by CLP hazard classes (or other relevant risks linked to specific physical properties), these should also be described in this section.

In short, this section provides a quick overview of the product’s hazards.

Section 3: Composition/information on ingredients

Section 3 details what the product is made of.

For a substance: Provide the chemical name of the substance, any synonyms, relevant identifiers, and important information about purity and stabilising additives (where applicable).

For a mixture: Provide information on the relevant ingredients, including the name and identifier of each hazardous component (e.g. CAS number, EC number) that contributes to the hazard classification, together with the concentration or concentration range, and the component’s classification. Example: Ethanol (CAS 64-17-5), 10–20%, Flammable liquid, Category 2; H225. If the exact concentration of certain ingredients is confidential, it is permitted to provide a concentration range or a generic description, while still ensuring that the hazard-relevant information is communicated.

This section helps the user understand which hazardous substances are present in the product.

Section 4: First-aid measures

Section 4 describes what must be done in the event of an accident or excessive exposure involving the product. Its subsections cover different routes of exposure, providing first-aid advice for inhalation, skin contact, eye contact and ingestion.

For example: “Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air, keep them calm, and seek medical attention if necessary.” or “Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; call a doctor immediately and show the doctor the product information listed in Section 1 of the SDS.”

This section should also mention the most important symptoms and effects, and whether immediate medical attention and special treatment are required.

This part is critical in an emergency, as it provides immediate guidance on the appropriate response.

Section 5: Fire-fighting measures

Section 5 provides information on how to extinguish a fire if the substance or mixture is involved in a fire or if its presence influences fire-fighting efforts. It specifies suitable extinguishing media (e.g. water spray, dry powder, carbon dioxide, foam), as well as any extinguishing media that are not suitable (where applicable), such as not using a direct water jet in certain cases.

It describes any hazardous combustion products produced when the material burns (for example, toxic fumes or gases such as carbon monoxide), and provides advice for firefighters: whether special protective equipment or breathing apparatus is needed, and whether there is a risk of explosion.

The purpose of this section is to ensure that, in the event of a fire, everyone knows how to respond safely and effectively.

Section 6: Accidental release measures

Section 6 describes what to do if the substance/mixture is accidentally released into the environment, for example through a spill or leak.

It includes personal precautions (e.g. approach the spill only with appropriate protective equipment; remove ignition sources), environmental precautions (e.g. prevent entry into drains; notify authorities where required), and methods for containment and clean-up.

This includes how to absorb or collect spilled material (for example, using an inert absorbent such as sand or vermiculite) and what cleaning procedures to use to remove any remaining residues.

Section 7: Handling and storage

Section 7 summarises the rules for safe handling and storage. It includes precautions for handling, such as: “No smoking during use; keep away from sparks and open flames,” or “Use only in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhaling vapours.”

General occupational hygiene advice is also included (e.g. do not eat or drink in the work area; wash hands after use; ensure adequate local exhaust ventilation).

For storage, the SDS describes conditions and requirements, for example: “Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place. Protect from heat and direct sunlight. Incompatible materials: strong oxidising agents,” etc. Packaging requirements may also be specified where relevant (e.g. “store in a tightly closed container”).

The role of this section is to prevent incidents by guiding everyday safe use and storage practices.

Section 8: Exposure controls/personal protection

Section 8 explains how to ensure that exposure to hazardous substances is controlled so that workers are not exposed to harmful amounts.

It has two main parts: engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Any applicable occupational exposure limit values (such as long-term and short-term limits set by national or EU rules) for the relevant substances should be listed here. Where such limits exist, the employer must ensure they are not exceeded in workplace air—therefore, recommended engineering measures may include adequate ventilation, local exhaust systems, or closed processes.

In the personal protection subsection, the necessary protective equipment is specified: for example, protective gloves (with material specified, e.g. nitrile), safety goggles or a face shield, protective clothing, and, if needed, respiratory protection (with an appropriate filter type).

Selection criteria for PPE may also be given (e.g. glove breakthrough time, thickness). Environmental protection measures may be mentioned as well (e.g. filters or scrubbers for emissions). This section ensures the user receives practical advice on protection, thereby minimising exposure.

(The next part of this series continues with the remaining 8 sections (9–16), which contain further important information about the product’s properties, effects and other relevant details.)

Further parts: