Working process of the creation, translation of a safety data sheet
MSDS-Europe – Compass to Chemical Safety – Working process for the creation and translation of a Safety Data Sheet
First step
Translation – defining the format and content elements
Creation of the content and format of the Safety Data Sheet in accordance with the applicable EU and national legislation.
At this stage — if the Safety Data Sheet is in a foreign language — we translate the text. In most cases, translation is not only a literal translation, but a meaning-based translation. In the target language, specific terminology usually already exists for particular sentences or phrases, and this terminology must be applied to ensure that the content of the Safety Data Sheet is clear to the reader.
Particular attention must be paid to the translation of standardised parts of the text. Certain sections of a Safety Data Sheet contain text with fixed wording prescribed by specific legislation. Under chemical safety rules, these special phrases may only be used in the exact form set out in the relevant legislation. The most common examples are the wording of H-statements and P-statements, as well as other mandatory label elements. Of course, there are other special texts in a Safety Data Sheet as well.
For the reasons mentioned above, the translation process itself requires a certain level of knowledge of chemical safety legislation and practical experience in Safety Data Sheet translation.
During the SDS translation phase — in the case of mixtures — the components are also checked. Using predefined hazardous substance lists, our colleagues verify whether the names of the ingredients are correct, whether the corresponding CAS and EC numbers are correct, and whether the indicated classification elements (hazard pictograms and H-statements) are appropriate.
Particular attention should also be paid to the correct occupational exposure limit values. Based on the applicable legislation, it must be checked whether an occupational exposure limit value exists for the components listed in the Safety Data Sheet and, if so, the value must be indicated in the appropriate section of the Safety Data Sheet.
For these checks, we systematically use key information sources and databases for safety data sheets (official lists, authority databases and guidance documents) to make sure that all classifications and limit values are up to date.
Second step
Classification, professional supervision
First, our expert reviews the translated Safety Data Sheet and checks that no data loss or typographical errors occurred during translation. Multiple checks are essential during Safety Data Sheet translation.
Our expert then checks the classification of the substance/mixture based on the available data and, if necessary, makes corrections, indicates the required hazard pictogram(s), and replaces or adds the necessary H-statements and P-statements. In many cases, specific label elements are missing from Safety Data Sheets, so special attention must be paid to this part as well.
Third step
Final professional check
Creation of a logically correct Safety Data Sheet that is free from inconsistencies.
In our opinion, this is a very important step, because based on our experience, many problems may arise from contradictions within a Safety Data Sheet (e.g. toxicological data in Section 11 must not contradict the classification of the substance/mixture, etc.).
We deliver the finished Safety Data Sheet to our clients in PDF format.
We guarantee the professional quality, legal compliance and official acceptance of our Safety Data Sheets only if they are used or printed in full.
After we have supplied the Safety Data Sheet…
Our Safety Data Sheet creation service does not end with delivery of the SDS.
We assist our clients with the interpretation and use of the Safety Data Sheet, and we can also help define other necessary tasks related to Safety Data Sheets in general.
Professional guarantees in the Safety Data Sheet creation and translation process
In the event of an official inspection, if the inspector raises an objection to any part of the Safety Data Sheet, our expert will contact the authority’s representative and clarify any questions that arise.
If it is established that an administrative error or a professional mistake was made during the creation of the Safety Data Sheet, we will correct the Safety Data Sheet free of charge.
Financial guarantee
If any of our clients, or any partner of our clients, suffers material damage (e.g. official fines, relabelling costs, etc.) because of using a Safety Data Sheet incorrectly prepared by our company, we will fully reimburse our client.
Offered services
- Safety Data Sheet translation
- Revision and update of Safety Data Sheets
- Compilation and creation of a Safety Data Sheet
- Safety Data Sheet express services within 24 hours
- Preparation of labels
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