SDS

This presentation will cover explanation of safety data sheet related acronyms, the new SDS sections & container labels. A new acronym GHS - GHS is the “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals”. Manufacturers and distributors of hazardous chemicals and products must begin to standardize how they categorize the hazards of their products, as well as the information and format of their container labels and Safety Data Sheets. Here is an overview of some of the changes you will start seeing very soon, if not already: • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s) have been replaced by Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s); • The new SDS’s are divided into 16 sections, with information about the product’s chemical hazards appearing in a standardized established order; 1. Product Identification. 2. Hazard(s) identification. 3. Chemical composition/ information on ingredients. 4. First-Aid measures. 5. Fire-fighting measures. 6. Accidental release measures. 7. Handling and storage information. 8. Exposure controls/personal protection. 9. Physical and chemical properties. 10.Stability and reactivity. 11. Toxicological information. 12. Ecological information 13.Disposal considerations 14. Transport information 15. Regulatory information 16.Other information, including date of preparation or last revision. • Container labels are to all display mandatory information, including a product identifier that is exactly the same as that appearing on the corresponding Safety Data Sheet (SDS); • Container labels will also have standardized signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements to help ensure users are alerted to applicable dangers and necessary safeguards you should follow when working with that product; o Product identifier: Specifies the product code or product name and should match the SDS information. o Supplier identification: Includes the name, address and contact information for the chemical supplier and must include an emergency telephone number. o Precautionary statements: Describes the suggested measures that should be taken to minimize/prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to the chemical or improper storage or handling. o Hazard pictograms: Include a symbol on a white background framed within a red border, and represent distinct hazard(s). o Signal word: This will be either “danger” or “warning.” Danger is used for more severe hazards and warning for less severe hazards. o Hazard statement: Assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, and can include the degree of hazard. o Supplemental information: This will include (as needed) directions for use, weights and expirations dates. • All container labels will also display one or more of nine pictograms, which are basically icons that appears in small red boxes to help users to quickly identify the specific hazard or hazards associated with the product.