The latter eight of the sixteen total GHS safety data sheet subsections are:
Section 9: Physical and chemical properties
This section describes the physical and chemical properties specific to the substance or mixture. It has no real subsections, simply listing different properties. Those actually listed can vary from producer to producer, but usually include appearance, color and odor, flash point and specific gravity, among other things.
Section 10: Stability and reactivity
This section describes stability and reactivity patterns for the substance or mixture and their potential repercussions. There are six subsections: (1) reactivity, (2) chemical stability, (3) possibility of hazardous reactions, (4) conditions to avoid in case of reactions, (5) incompatible materials, and (6) hazardous products of the substance or mixture’s decomposition.
Section 11: Toxicological information
This section conveys information on the substance’s toxicology in cases of contact. There is only one section, in which toxicological information such as toxic dosages for some small animals (LD-50), potential routes of entry, and what will happen to the body in the case of accidental contact and/or ingestion.
Section 12: Ecological information
This section discusses the substance or mixture’s potential effects on the environment at large. There are six subsections: (1) toxicity for certain animals, (2) persistence and degradability, including the environmental half-life, (3) the degree of bioaccumulative potential, (4) potential mobility in soil, (5) results of PBT and vPvB assessment, and (6) any other adverse effects not already covered.
Section 13: Disposal considerations
This section covers methods of safe disposal for the substance. There is only one subsection, which describes ways to safely dispose of the substance when it becomes waste and which rules and regulations to follow in doing so. It may also include information about the waste class or code.
Section 14: Transport information
This section describes the protocol that should be followed when transporting the substance or mixture. There are seven subsections: (1) its UN number, (2) UN proper shipping name, (3) the substance’s transport hazard classifications, (4) its packing group, (5) any environmental hazards to be considered in transportation, (6) special precautions people should take around transport of the substance, and (7) rules for transport in bulk.
Section 15: Regulatory information
This section discusses regulations that have specific implications for the particular substance or mixture. There are two subsections: (1) safety, health, and environmental regulations or legislation specific for the substance or mixture, and (2) chemical safety assessment. This section may reference local or international laws, and these laws may be about classification, hazard information, packaging, and labeling, among many other things.
Section 16: Other information
There is no specific format for this section; it covers all other pertinent information at the creator’s discretion. This may include comments on revision history, advice on use, a notice from the company creating the sheet, a disclaimer, information on the sheet’s preparation, or many other things.
Though the structure of the sheet is standardized, it should be noted that there is no mandated visual format. Safety data sheets may be several pages long or may be condensed into one or two pages; they may have information displayed linearly or in a grid; they may be in color or grayscale. The information within must always follow the format described above as per GHS regulations, but excepting that, the appearance of the safety data sheet is determined by the preferences of the company who creates or commissions it.
