The 2012 GHS revision mandated that every SDS feature 16 distinctive sections in a particular order. Every new or revised safety data sheet from June 1, 2015 onward will have to list information in these divisions in order, including several subsections, in their home language.
The first eight of the sixteen total GHS SDS sections are:
Section 1: Identification
This section identifies the substance or mixture and the company or manufacturer responsible for its safe handling. There are four subsections: (1) a product identifier, (2) relevant identified uses of the substance or mixture and ways in which it should not be used, (3) details of the supplier of the safety data sheet (including address, name, and phone number), and (4) telephone number to be used in case of emergencies.
Section 2: Hazards identification
This section details one of the most important parts of the GHS SDS standard: hazard classifications. There are three subsections: (1) classification of the substance or mixture according to one or more of the GHS standardized hazard classes, (2) required elements from the chemical label itself (signal words, hazard statements, and hazard class pictograms), and (3) any other hazards not included in the hazard class.
Section 3: Composition
This section gives information on the ingredients of the product the sheet is about. It details the composition by weight percentage of each component along with their CAS number. There are no subsections, only sub-listings for each component substance or mixture.
Section 4: First aid measures
This section gives information about what to do in case of emergencies. It has three subsections: (1) description of first aid measures in whatever methods of contact the substance poses a hazard in (including inhalation, eye contact, skin contact, and ingestion), (2) the most important symptoms and effects in those cases (both acute and delayed reactions), and (3) an indication of any immediate medical attention and/or special treatment needed. This section may also include a note to physicians in case of treatment.
Section 5: Firefighting measures
This section describes what to do in the event that this substance is associated with an outbreak of fire. It has three subsections: (1) media that can be used to extinguish that fire, (2) special hazards arising from the substance or mixture in case of fire, and (3) advice for firefighters.
Section 6: Accidental release measures
This section describes what to do in case there is a breach of the substance’s container. It has four subsections: (1) personal precautions to take, protective equipment, and emergency procedures to follow, (2) environmental precautions, (3) methods and materials for containing and cleaning up the leak, and (4) reference to other sections that may be pertinent.
Section 7: Handling and storage
This section describes the safety measures that should be taken when handling or storing the substance or mixture. It has three subsections: (1) precautions for safe handling, (2) conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities the substance may have with any specific materials or environments, and (3) specific end use(s).
Section 8: Exposure controls
This section describes the safest ways to control exposures to the substance or mixture for optimal personal protection. It has two subsections: (1) control parameters (defining the concentration of the substance it is safe to be exposed to) and (2) controls that should be taken when exposing oneself to the substance or mixture.
For sections numbered 9-16, please see “What You Need to Know About Subsections of GHS SDS-Part 2”.
