How to Read SDS Documents ?

HOW TO READ SDS

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are an important requirement of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. The SDS has become an important document for informing staff, students and the general public on how materials can be handled, used and stored safely. Each SDS should be consistent, useful and easy to read with all relevant safety and hazard information using clear and understandable language. In this study, I will try to group the SDS sections under basic questions and briefly explain them for you. 

What is the material and what should I know first in an emergency?

Chapter 1-3.

1. It is important that the chemical name on the label matches the name on the SDS. Many chemicals have similar names, but their properties are very different. The first part focuses on the identification of the chemical, including:

2. The second section is the hazard identification section and highlights the risks associated with the substance. These are described using GHS pictograms so users can identify hazards at a glance. The most important separator from the identification of chemicals is the CAS number. CAS is the identifying number for each individual substance. The CAS must match the CAS on the package label. The second section is also a section on hazard classifications, hazard codes and statements (H codes, P codes and additional statement explanations).

3. The main chemical names of the components should be listed in section 3. In addition, content information and details are also given in this section. Usually the exact ingredient concentration is commercially confidential and is typically disclosed in percentage ranges. However, it is essential that the total, including non-hazardous components, be added to 100%.

What should I do if a dangerous situation occurs?

Chapters 4–6.

4. Chapter four describes initial care and what to do after exposure to a hazardous substance through skin or eye contact, inhalation or ingestion. These first aid measures are for emergency first aid only and should always be followed by professional medical care.

5. The fifth section contains information on how to fight fires containing dangerous chemicals, flammable or oxidizing substances. We can also think that this section is mostly for the firefighting team. In addition, the characteristics of personal protective equipment and fire extinguishing tools are also given in this section.

6. The sixth section contains important information about minor and major spills, leaks or accidental release. In addition, actions aimed at preventing events such as spillage and spillage, even before they occur, are also defined in this section. 

How can I prevent dangerous situations from occurring ?

Chapter 7-11.

7. Chapter seven outlines safe handling and storage practices to prevent accidents and increase safety and minimize release and exposure risks. Special storage and usage tips are also included in this topic.

8. The section on personal protective equipment such as glasses, gloves and aprons is the eighth section. You can access the exposure limits in this section or review the regulations for more detailed information.

9. In the ninth section, the physical and chemical properties of the chemical are listed. Clear, concise, and useful physical and chemical properties help you learn more about the chemicals you use.

10. Section ten describes conditions or reactions that should be avoided. The information in this section may give some preliminary information or estimates about the stability of the chemical and even its shelf life.

11. Known toxicological effects of the material are presented in Chapter 11. Describes the symptoms and effects of the substance on the body following exposure. Acute (short term) and chronic (long term) effects are listed with their target organs (Affected organs). Oral (OR), lung inhalation (IHL), and skin absorption (SKN) toxicity data for test animals are described in this section.

What other useful information should I learn before studying?

Chapters 12-16.

12. The twelfth chapter describes the dangers to the environment and ecological systems.

13. Disposal considerations are covered in Chapter 13. The safest ways to dispose of hazardous chemicals are presented in this section, including various disposal methods from recycling to disposal.

14. Special shipping codes, hazard classifications and statements for air, land and sea transport of the relevant chemical are in Chapter 14.

15. Health, safety and environmental regulations are listed here. This section is constantly updated as new research and discoveries lead to regulatory changes, including hazard updates, additional information from new research, or information that is no longer considered compliant. Changes in the information in the legislation are followed by the personnel responsible for this issue.

16. This last section of the SDS, section 16, contains information such as the date the SDS was prepared, its version history, all updates, and a list of abbreviations.