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Ultimate SDS Guide: Understand All 16 GHS Sections

Managing SDSs is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a core component of workplace safety and compliance. In this Ultimate SDS Guide, you’ll explore the importance of each of the 16 globally harmonized SDS sections and discover tools and templates to optimize your SDS strategy. From OSHA references to modern mobile workflows, this guide helps safety managers, EHS directors, and compliance teams improve their SDS management systems.

Key Features of This Guide

  • Clear explanations of each of the 16 GHS SDS sections
  • OSHA and GHS reference points
  • Use cases for SDS mobile and offline access
  • Downloadable SDS templates and vendor scorecards
  • Expert insights from 25+ years in SDS management
Ultimate SDS Guide breakdown of 16 sections
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Why Choose KHA for SDS Management?

Scan any product’s barcode using your mobile device to instantly pull up the correct SDS.

Automatically generate workplace labels that meet GHS and U.S. DOT standards.

You are safeguarded from Internet failure or power loss. Our Load-N-Go™ backup allows you to store all of your SDS for emergency access off line. Off-line Load-N-Go™ SDS can be stored on a flash drive, laptop, etc. In non-emergency situations, a single-click downloads the most current SDS for future offline access.

Automatically give all employees access to the most up-to-date SDS. We do not limit the number of users on your account.

Your system is web-based; accessible from any connected device including Apple and Android mobile devices. Your system can serve all locations within your company.

Control access by role—limit what users can see or do.

Access your account on your mobile device with our SDS-Mobile app. Available on both Android and Apple platforms, you have access to SDS while on the go. In addition, you can backup SDS to your device for offline access.

Brief Overview of All 16 SDS Sections

Section 1: Identification
This section provides the product identifier, manufacturer or distributor name, address, phone number, and emergency contact. It also includes recommended uses and restrictions on use. It helps users quickly identify the chemical and the responsible party. Accurate identification is essential in case of spills or emergencies.
Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification
Lists the chemical’s hazards using GHS classification, signal words, hazard statements, and pictograms. It outlines the physical, health, and environmental hazards of the material. This section helps users quickly understand the most serious risks. It also includes precautionary statements to promote safe handling.
Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients
Details all hazardous ingredients in a mixture, including chemical names, CAS numbers, and concentration ranges. For pure substances, only one entry is listed. It’s used by emergency responders and medical staff to understand toxicity and treatment. This information is also critical for chemical inventory systems.
Section 4: First-Aid Measures
Describes emergency medical response procedures for exposure via inhalation, ingestion, skin, or eyes. Includes symptoms of exposure and notes for physicians. This section supports preparedness for workplace incidents. Prompt action using this guidance can reduce the severity of injuries.
Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures
Recommends the most effective extinguishing media and outlines special hazards from combustion. Includes protective equipment for firefighters. Understanding this section ensures safe and effective fire response. It also helps identify chemicals that may react dangerously under heat.
Section 6: Accidental Release Measures
Provides spill response procedures including containment, cleanup, and PPE requirements. Aims to protect personnel and the environment. This section is used during emergency planning and spill drills. It is critical for facilities handling large volumes of chemicals.
Section 7: Handling and Storage
Outlines precautions for safe handling and proper storage conditions. Includes incompatibilities and ventilation requirements. Helps prevent accidental reactions and ensures chemical longevity. It’s a foundational reference for SOPs and training programs.
Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Includes OSHA and ACGIH exposure limits, along with appropriate engineering controls. Lists PPE recommendations such as gloves, goggles, and respirators. Helps employers protect workers from harmful exposure. This is essential for EHS compliance and worker safety planning.
Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
Lists measurable characteristics like boiling point, vapor pressure, flash point, and pH. Helps predict chemical behavior and compatibility. This data supports safe storage, mixing, and use. It is also referenced during emergency response and risk assessments.
Section 10: Stability and Reactivity
Identifies conditions under which the chemical may become unstable or reactive. Lists materials to avoid, such as heat, sparks, or water. Helps prevent explosions, fires, or releases. Crucial for chemical storage design and process safety management.
Section 11: Toxicological Information
Describes health effects from short-term and long-term exposure. Includes toxicity data, routes of exposure, symptoms, and carcinogenicity. Used to determine proper handling procedures and health risk levels. This section supports safety training and medical evaluations.
Section 12: Ecological Information (Non-mandatory under OSHA)
Details potential environmental effects, including persistence, degradability, and aquatic toxicity. Supports environmental protection and regulatory reporting. Although optional in the U.S., it's essential for sustainability programs. Often required in international shipments.
Section 13: Disposal Considerations (Non-mandatory under OSHA)
Offers guidance for safely disposing of the product and its containers. May include RCRA classifications and special waste handling protocols. Helps ensure compliance with EPA and local disposal laws. Reduces the risk of environmental contamination.
Section 14: Transport Information (Non-mandatory under OSHA)
Lists shipping classification, UN number, packing group, and hazard class. Ensures proper labeling and documentation during transportation. Helps prevent incidents during shipment of hazardous materials. Used by logistics teams and hazmat transporters.
Section 15: Regulatory Information (Non-mandatory under OSHA)
Includes applicable U.S. and international regulations not covered elsewhere. May reference TSCA, SARA, and Prop 65. Important for compliance officers and EHS audits. Supports multi-jurisdictional chemical compliance.
Section 16: Other Information
Lists SDS preparation and revision dates. May include references, disclaimers, or training suggestions. Helps users confirm the currency of the document. Provides context not found in earlier sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

An SDS is a standardized document that communicates important information about the properties, hazards, handling, storage, and emergency procedures related to a chemical product.

GHS-compliant SDSs include 16 standardized sections as required by OSHA.

Proper SDS management ensures compliance, safety, and efficiency.

SDSs should be reviewed regularly, especially when new hazards or product formulations are identified.

SDS follows the GHS format, while MSDS was used under older standards.

Yes, via Load-N-Go™ and Offline Mode in SDS Mobile™.

Our system auto-updates and flags outdated SDSs for review.

Yes, it includes multi-site support, permissions, and scalability.

Manufacturing, construction, healthcare, energy, and chemicals.

Request a demo or download the SDS Compliance Checklist.

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Download the Ultimate SDS Guide

Ultimate SDS Guide

Related Pages on KHA.com

SDS Compliance Checklist:
www.kha.com/sds-compliance-checklist/

Online SDS:
www.kha.com/online-sds/

Hazard Communication Program:
www.kha.com/hazard-communication-program/

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