MSDSs, as was mentioned earlier, are redefined as SDSs under GHS and remain the backbone of HCS and WHMIS compliance. Under GHS, SDSs are presented in a 16 section format with a required ordering of sections. It is essentially the ANSI Standard for SDSs, with a few minor tweaks. The sections, in order, are as follows:
- Identification
- Hazard(s) Identification
- Composition/Ingredient Information
- First-Aid Measures
- Fire-Fighting Measures
- Accidental Release Measures
- Handling and Storage
- Exposure Control/Personal Protection
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Stability & Reactivity
- Toxicological Information
- Ecological Information
- Disposal Considerations
- Transport Information
- Regulatory Information
- Other Information
To be GHS-compliant, an SDS needs all 16 sections; however, OSHA will not be enforcing information contained in sections 12-15, which fall outside the Agency’s jurisdiction. With GHS alignment, employers should prepare for a large influx of new SDSs to occur within a short time frame.
