SDS: The 16 Sections Decoded
A Safety Data Sheet has 16 sections in the order 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(2) lists. OSHA enforces Sections 1 to 11 and 16; Sections 12 to 15 are not mandatory under Appendix D and fall to other agencies.
The full document
| Section | What it contains | OSHA-enforced |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Identification | Product identifier, supplier, emergency phone, recommended use. | Yes |
| 2. Hazard(s) Identification | GHS class, signal word, hazard & precautionary statements, pictograms. | Yes |
| 3. Composition / Ingredients | Hazardous ingredients, CAS numbers, concentration ranges. | Yes |
| 4. First-Aid Measures | Symptoms and required treatment by route of exposure. | Yes |
| 5. Fire-Fighting Measures | Suitable extinguishing media, special hazards, responder PPE. | Yes |
| 6. Accidental Release Measures | Spill/leak containment, cleanup methods, protective equipment. | Yes |
| 7. Handling and Storage | Safe handling, storage conditions, incompatibilities. | Yes |
| 8. Exposure Controls / PPE | OSHA PELs / ACGIH TLVs, engineering controls, required PPE. | Yes |
| 9. Physical & Chemical Properties | Appearance, odor, pH, flash point, boiling point, and more. | Yes |
| 10. Stability and Reactivity | Reactivity, conditions to avoid, incompatible materials. | Yes |
| 11. Toxicological Information | Routes of exposure, acute & chronic effects, LD50 / LC50. | Yes |
| 12. Ecological Information | Aquatic and environmental toxicity, persistence, bioaccumulation. | No (Appendix D: not mandatory) |
| 13. Disposal Considerations | Safe disposal, contaminated packaging, waste handling. | No (Appendix D: not mandatory) |
| 14. Transport Information | DOT / UN shipping classification and proper shipping name. | No (Appendix D: not mandatory) |
| 15. Regulatory Information | Other regulations specific to the product (TSCA, SARA, etc.). | No (Appendix D: not mandatory) |
| 16. Other Information | Date of preparation and last revision; other data. | Yes |
What OSHA enforces
OSHA enforces Sections 1-11 and 16. Sections 12-15 are GHS-only: the UN GHS format calls for them, but Appendix D to 1910.1200 states they may be included and are not mandatory; they fall under other agencies (EPA, DOT), so OSHA will not cite an SDS over their content. Nearly every SDS still carries all 16.
Questions about this document
Which SDS sections does OSHA enforce?
Sections 1 to 11 and 16. Note 2 to 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(2) says OSHA will not enforce the information requirements of sections 12 to 15, which Appendix D lists as not mandatory.
Must a Safety Data Sheet be in English?
Yes. The manufacturer or importer must provide it in English, and the employer may keep copies in other languages as well (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(2)).
Where must SDSs be kept?
In the workplace, readily accessible to employees in their work areas during each work shift (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8)).
Get the Binder in Order Before the Inspector Arrives. Are You Ready?
OSHA does not give advance notice of inspections (29 CFR 1903.6). Get the binder in order before the opening conference, not during it.
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