The term Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) has largely been replaced by the internationally standardized Safety Data Sheet (SDS). This change reflects a shift toward a more uniform and detailed system for communicating chemical hazard information. While the purpose remains the same—to provide comprehensive details on the physical, chemical, and health hazards of a substance—the format and content requirements have been rigorously standardized.
The older MSDS documents often varied widely in structure, length, and content, leading to confusion for workers handling chemicals. The new SDS format resolves this by mandating a specific, 16-section layout that is consistent regardless of the manufacturer or the chemical itself. This standardization is intended to improve safety by making hazard information easier to find and understand quickly in a workplace setting.
The Global System That Mandated the Change
The standardization of chemical hazard communication stems from the adoption of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Developed by the United Nations, the GHS provides a single, coherent system for classifying chemical hazards and communicating them through standardized labels and Safety Data Sheets. The primary goal of this global initiative is to enhance the protection of human health and the environment by providing a consistent framework for hazard information worldwide.
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) integrated the principles of the GHS into its existing Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). This revised HCS mandated the transition from the variable MSDS format to the fixed, 16-section SDS format. By aligning the national standard with the GHS, the U.S. improved consistency with its international trading partners. The regulatory deadlines for the transition began in 2013 with employee training, with full compliance for manufacturers, importers, and distributors required by June 2015.
Navigating the 16 Standardized Sections
The mandatory 16-section format ensures that information is always presented in the same order. This structure is a departure from the non-standardized nature of the previous MSDS. Sections 1 through 8 contain information that is often needed most urgently, such as identification, hazards, and emergency measures.
Section 1, Identification, details the chemical’s product identifier, recommended uses, and supplier contact information. Section 2 is dedicated to Hazard(s) Identification, outlining all hazards associated with the chemical and the required label elements. Section 3, Composition/Information on Ingredients, provides details on chemical ingredients and any trade secret claims.
The subsequent sections cover response and protective measures. Section 4, First-aid measures, describes required immediate treatment for exposure, while Section 5 focuses on Fire-fighting measures. Section 7 covers Handling and Storage, specifying precautions and incompatibilities. Section 8, Exposure Controls/Personal Protection, details OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PELs), engineering controls, and necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). The final four sections (12 through 15) cover Ecological information, Disposal considerations, Transport information, and Regulatory information; OSHA requires their inclusion to complete the 16-section format.
Key Visual and Content Changes in the New Format
The SDS format introduced specific, standardized elements to improve the clarity and immediacy of hazard communication. A uniform set of six label elements is now required on chemical containers, and these elements are also integrated into the SDS. This includes the mandatory use of a signal word, which indicates the severity of the hazard.
The two approved signal words are “Danger,” used for the most severe hazards, and “Warning,” used for less severe hazards. The SDS utilizes standardized GHS pictograms, which are graphical symbols framed by a red border to convey a specific hazard. Examples include the skull and crossbones for acute toxicity or the flame symbol for flammable materials.
Standardized hazard statements and precautionary statements are also required on the new documents. Hazard statements are phrases that describe the nature and degree of the risk, such as “Highly flammable liquid and vapor.” Precautionary statements provide guidance on how to minimize risks, covering prevention, response, storage, and disposal actions. These consistent phrases and symbols replace the varying descriptions previously used.
Employer Responsibilities and Compliance
Employers have defined duties under the revised Hazard Communication Standard to ensure the safety of employees working with hazardous materials. A primary requirement is maintaining an updated Safety Data Sheet for every hazardous chemical in the workplace. These documents must be readily accessible to all employees during every work shift when they are in their work area.
Accessibility can be achieved through physical binders or electronically, provided there are no barriers to immediate access. Employers are also responsible for training employees on the new SDS format and the meaning of the GHS pictograms and signal words. This training must occur initially upon assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced into the work area. The training must be provided in a language that is comprehensible to the employees.