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 comprised of 16 main sections. These sections ensure that all essential data are provided in a consistent format.

In this part, we will review Sections 1–8, which cover the most important information from identification of the substance/mixture to workplace protective measures.

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

Section 1 of the SDS contains the product’s identifying details. Here, the exact name of the substance or mixture must be provided, along with any identification numbers (e.g. CAS number, EC number), and for mixtures the unique formula identifier (UFI code, if available). It also includes the name, address, and contact information of the manufacturer or supplier company, and an emergency contact telephone number (for example, a toxicology hotline or a national emergency number).

In addition, one can indicate the product’s intended use or the recommended and against-advised uses.

This section ensures that anyone reading the SDS can immediately identify the product and know whom to contact for further information 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. Here we find the hazard pictograms, the signal word (for example, “Danger” or “Warning”), the H statements (e.g. H225 – Highly flammable liquid and vapour) and the P statements (precautionary statements).

If the mixture is not classified as hazardous, that must be stated here; and if there are other risks (for example, an environmental hazard that doesn’t fall under a CLP class, or certain physical properties of concern), those are also listed in this section.

In short, this section gives 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 pure substance: Provide the chemical name of the substance, any synonyms, its identifiers, and important information about its purity or additives.

For a mixture: List the hazardous ingredients: the name and identifier of each component (CAS number, EC number) that contributes to the mixture’s hazard. Additionally, include the percentage (or concentration range) of these components in the mixture, and their classification (what hazards they have on their own). Example: Ethanol (CAS 64-17-5), 10–20%, classification: Flammable Liquid 2, H225. If the exact concentration of certain ingredients is a trade secret, it is permitted to give a concentration range or a generic description (while still conveying hazard-relevant information).

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

Section 4: First aid measures

Section 4 describes what must be done if an accident or excessive exposure occurs involving the product. Its subsections cover different routes of exposure, providing first-aid advice for cases of 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, as well as whether immediate medical attention is required.

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

Section 5: Firefighting measures

Section 5 provides information on how to extinguish a fire if the given substance or mixture is burning or if its presence influences firefighting efforts. It specifies the appropriate extinguishing media (e.g. water spray, powder, carbon dioxide, foam), as well as any extinguishing media that are not suitable, if applicable (e.g. do not use a direct water jet on certain chemical fires).

It describes any hazardous combustion products produced when the material burns (for example, toxic fumes or gases like carbon monoxide, chlorine gas, etc.), and gives advice for firefighters: whether special protective gear 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

This section (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 any ignition sources from the area), environmental precautions (e.g. do not allow the material to enter drains; notify authorities if a large amount has been released), as well as methods for containment and cleanup.

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

Section 7: Handling and storage

Section 7 summarizes the rules for safe handling and storage. Here you will find 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 vapors.”

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 the conditions and requirements: for example, “Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place. Protect from heat and direct sunlight. Incompatible materials: strong oxidizing agents,” etc. Packaging requirements can also be specified if relevant (e.g. “store in a tightly sealed 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 the hazardous substance does not enter workers’ bodies in harmful amounts.

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

Any applicable exposure limit values (such as long-term and short-term occupational exposure limits set by national or EU regulations) for the components should be listed here. If such limits exist, the employer must ensure these are not exceeded in the workplace air – therefore suggested engineering measures might include proper ventilation, local exhaust systems, or using closed processes.

In the personal protection subsection, the necessary protective gear 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 cartridge).

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

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

Further parts: