Safety Data Sheets (SDS), formerly called Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), communicate the hazards associated with using chemicals. They are an important source of information for workers, lab personnel, emergency responders, and emergency medical personnel.

In compliance with the new Hazard Communication Standard, SDS are divided into 16 sections and are required to provide the following information:

1. Identification: Product identifier used on the label; manufacturer or distributor name, address, phone number, emergency phone number; recommended use; and restrictions on use.
2. Hazard Identification: This section lists the GHS classification and hazard statements. Every hazard statement has a corresponding precautionary statement recommending measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects such as “Do not breathe dust.” This section may also show the label pictograms and give any other information related to known hazards of the product. Classifications by other entities such as OSHA, HMIS, or NFPA may also be given.
3. Composition/Information on Ingredients provides a list of all hazardous ingredients, their CAS numbers, and their concentrations or concentration ranges in the product. For each ingredient, the hazard classification is given. Depending on the concentration, the classification for each individual compound may be different than the classification of the mixture found under section 2.
4. First-Aid Measures describes potential symptoms and acute or delayed effects resulting from exposure. It gives information on how to respond to exposure and on appropriate medical treatment.
5. Fire-Fighting Measures lists suitable extinguishing techniques and equipment as well as potential hazards arising from a fire, such as toxic fumes.
6. Accidental Release Measures lists emergency procedures for responding to a spill, required protective equipment, and basic methods of containment and cleanup.
7. Handling and Storage lists brief precautions for safe handling and storage. It should contain information about incompatibilities with other chemicals, but it is often not exhaustive. Refer to the DRS chemical storage guide for more detailed information.
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection lists OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) and Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for each ingredient. This section should also give information on personal protective equipment (PPE); e.g., appropriate respirators and gloves, and engineering controls.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties lists the characteristics of the product such as color, boiling point, pH, and density etc.
10. Stability and Reactivity lists chemical stability, possibility of hazardous reactions, conditions to avoid, incompatible materials, and hazardous decomposition products.
11. Toxicological Information describes possible routes of exposure; symptoms related to physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics; acute and chronic effects; and numerical measures of toxicity such as LD50 values if available.
12. Ecological information includes available information on ecotoxicity, degradability, bioaccumulation, and other adverse effects on the environment.
13. Disposal considerations is relevant for professional waste disposal services. Refer to the DRS chemical waste guide for disposal practices.
14. Transport information lists DOT UN number, proper shipping name, and class.
15. Regulatory information includes other applicable local regulations on safety, health, and environment.
16. Other information includes the date of preparation of the SDS or its last revision.

DRS Website https://drs.illinois.edu/Page/SafetyLibrary/ChemicalHazardClassification#SafetyDataSheets