There is a worldwide initiative to promote standard criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health, physical, and environmental hazards. This page will provide with the details about this classification and methods you can use to reduce your exposure to hazardous chemicals.
The Hazard Communication Standard has been revised to bring it inline with the international Globally Harmonized System of Classification & Labeling of Chemicals. Labels must now include one or more of the nine pictograms, and also include a signal word, and hazard statements and precautionary statements to transmit information about the hazards of chemicals.
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification of chemical hazards by using pictograms, gives you the ability to quickly see the chemicals hazards, the signal word informs you on how dangerous it is to work with, and lists first aid measures in case of eye or skin contact and for inhalation.
The sixteen sections of a Safety Data Sheet provide you with more detailed information about a chemical. It includes information on ingredients, accidental release, handling and storage, exposure control, and much more. (See details about the sixteen sections)
For easy access Safety Data Sheets are available online:
Arts and Crafts, Biology, Chemistry, Facilities, and Healthcare.
Online Safety Data Sheets by supplier:
Carolina Biological Supply SDSs
Fisher Scientific SDSs
Flinn Scientific A-Z SDSs
VWR SDSs
Easy online access to Safety Data Sheets:
View Master SNC Folder of Safety Data Sheets
Master List of Chemicals (by department)
Gehl-Mulva Science Center (GMS)
Health Services
Section 1, IDENTIFICATION:
Find the chemical manufacturer's or importer's name, address and an emergency phone number.
Section 2, HAZARD IDENTIFICATION:
GHS classification, signal word, hazard statement, symbol and precautionary statement.
Section 3, COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS:
Find the chemical identity and concentration or concentration ranges for all ingredients 1% or more for health hazards, and 0.1 or greater, if carcinogens Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number for a hazardous chemical.
Section 4, FIRST AID:
Description of necessary measures, subdivided according to different routes of exposure (e.g., inhalation, skin and eye contact, and indigestion), most important symptoms/effects, acute and delayed, indication of immediate medical attention and special treatment if needed, if necessary.
Section 5, FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES:
How to fight a fire involving the chemical, suitable and unsuitable extinguishing media, nature of any hazardous combustion products.
Section 6, ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES:
Personal precautions, protective equipment, how to handle a spill involving the chemical, emergency procedures, environmental precautions.
Section 7, HANDLING AND STORAGE:
Precautions for safe handling and storage procedures, including any incompatibilities.
Section 8, EXPOSURE CONTROL/PERSONAL PROTECTION:
Permissible exposure limits, information about necessary engineering controls.
Section 9, PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:
Chemical's appearance, pH, evaporation rate, flammability, flash point, solubility, vapor density.
Section 10, STABILITY AND REACTIVITY:
Learn about stability and other materials that are incompatible with a chemical, possibly causing a hazardous reaction if the materials are not segregated, conditions to avoid, hazardous decomposition products.
Section 11, TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION:
Find routes of exposure and symptoms of exposure, immediate, delayed and chronic effects.
Section 12, ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION:
Ecotoxicity and bioaccumulation potential, persistence and degradability.
Section 13, DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Information about safe disposal of waste chemicals and contaminated packaging.
Section 14, TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION:
UN number and proper shipping name, required for transporting chemicals.
Section 15, REGULATORY INFORMATION:
List of safety, health and environmental regulations that apply to the product.
Section 16, OTHER INFORMATION:
Information on preparation and revision of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
| Globally Harmonized System (GHS) - Version 10 |
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| GHS Glossary |
| Hazard Statements - Overview |
| Precautionary Statements - Overview |
