BRIEF

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) 

(29 CFR 1910.1200(g)), revised in 2012, requires 

that the chemical manufacturer, distributor, 

or importer provide Safety Data Sheets 

(SDSs) (formerly MSDSs or Material Safety 

Data Sheets) for each hazardous chemical 

to downstream users to communicate 

information on these hazards. The information 

contained in the SDS is largely the same as 

the MSDS, except now the SDSs are required 

to be presented in a consistent user-friendly, 

16-section format. This brief provides guidance 

to help workers who handle hazardous 

chemicals to become familiar with the format 

and understand the contents of the SDSs. 

The SDS includes information such as the 

properties of each chemical; the physical, 

health, and environmental health hazards; 

protective measures; and safety precautions 

for handling, storing, and transporting the 

chemical. The information contained in the SDS 

must be in English (although it may be in other 

languages as well). In addition, OSHA requires 

that SDS preparers provide specific minimum 

information as detailed in Appendix D of 

29 CFR 1910.1200. The SDS preparers may 

also include additional information in various 

section(s). 

Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets 

Sections 1 through 8 contain general 

information about the chemical, identification, 

hazards, composition, safe handling practices, 

and emergency control measures (e.g., fire 

fighting). This information should be helpful to 

those that need to get the information quickly. 

Sections 9 through 11 and 16 contain other 

technical and scientific information, such as 

physical and chemical properties, stability 

and reactivity information, toxicological 

information, exposure control information, 

and other information including the date of 

preparation or last revision. The SDS must 

also state that no applicable information was 

found when the preparer does not find relevant 

information for any required element. 

The SDS must also contain Sections 12 

through 15, to be consistent with the UN 

Globally Harmonized System of Classification 

and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), but OSHA 

will not enforce the content of these sections 

because they concern matters handled by other 

agencies.

A description of all 16 sections of the SDS, 

along with their contents, is presented below:

Section 1: Identification

This section identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides 

the essential contact information of the supplier. The required information consists of:

• Product identifier used on the label and any other common names or synonyms by which the 

substance is known.

• Name, address, phone number of the manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party, and 

emergency phone number.

• Recommended use of the chemical (e.g., a brief description of what it actually does, such 

as flame retardant) and any restrictions on use (including recommendations given by the 

supplier).

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Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification

This section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and the appropriate 

warning information associated with those hazards. The required information consists of:

• The hazard classification of the chemical (e.g., flammable liquid, category1

).

• Signal word. 

• Hazard statement(s). 

• Pictograms (the pictograms or hazard symbols may be presented as graphical reproductions 

of the symbols in black and white or be a description of the name of the symbol (e.g., skull 

and crossbones, flame).

• Precautionary statement(s). 

• Description of any hazards not otherwise classified.

• For a mixture that contains an ingredient(s) with unknown toxicity, a statement describing how 

much (percentage) of the mixture consists of ingredient(s) with unknown acute toxicity. Please 

note that this is a total percentage of the mixture and not tied to the individual ingredient(s).

Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients

This section identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated on the SDS, including 

impurities and stabilizing additives. This section includes information on substances, mixtures, 

and all chemicals where a trade secret is claimed. The required information consists of:

Substances

• Chemical name.

• Common name and synonyms.

• Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number and other unique identifiers.

• Impurities and stabilizing additives, which are themselves classified and which contribute to 

the classification of the chemical.

Mixtures

• Same information required for substances.

• The chemical name and concentration (i.e., exact percentage) of all ingredients which are

classified as health hazards and are: 

° Present above their cut-off/concentration limits or 

° Present a health risk below the cut-off/concentration limits.

• The concentration (exact percentages) of each ingredient must be specified except 

concentration ranges may be used in the following situations: 

° A trade secret claim is made, 

° There is batch-to-batch variation, or 

° The SDS is used for a group of substantially similar mixtures.

Chemicals where a trade secret is claimed

• A statement that the specific chemical identity and/or exact percentage (concentration) of 

composition has been withheld as a trade secret is required. 

1 Chemical, as defined in the HCS, is any substance, or mixture of substances. 

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Section 4: First-Aid Measures

This section describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an 

individual who has been exposed to the chemical. The required information consists of:

• Necessary first-aid instructions by relevant routes of exposure (inhalation, skin and eye contact,

and ingestion). 

• Description of the most important symptoms or effects, and any symptoms that are acute or

delayed.

• Recommendations for immediate medical care and special treatment needed, when necessary. 

Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures

This section provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical. The required 

information consists of:

• Recommendations of suitable extinguishing equipment, and information about extinguishing

equipment that is not appropriate for a particular situation.

• Advice on specific hazards that develop from the chemical during the fire, such as any

hazardous combustion products created when the chemical burns. 

• Recommendations on special protective equipment or precautions for firefighters.

Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

This section provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks, or releases, 

including containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, 

properties, or the environment. It may also include recommendations distinguishing between 

responses for large and small spills where the spill volume has a significant impact on the 

hazard. The required information may consist of recommendations for:

• Use of personal precautions (such as removal of ignition sources or providing sufficient

ventilation) and protective equipment to prevent the contamination of skin, eyes, and clothing. 

• Emergency procedures, including instructions for evacuations, consulting experts when

needed, and appropriate protective clothing.

• Methods and materials used for containment (e.g., covering the drains and capping

procedures). 

• Cleanup procedures (e.g., appropriate techniques for neutralization, decontamination, cleaning

or vacuuming; adsorbent materials; and/or equipment required for containment/clean up). 

Section 7: Handling and Storage

This section provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage 

of chemicals. The required information consists of:

• Precautions for safe handling, including recommendations for handling incompatible

chemicals, minimizing the release of the chemical into the environment, and providing advice 

on general hygiene practices (e.g., eating, drinking, and smoking in work areas is prohibited). 

• Recommendations on the conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities. Provide

advice on specific storage requirements (e.g., ventilation requirements). 

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Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

This section indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective 

measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure. The required information consists of:

• OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), American Conference of Governmental Industrial

Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), and any other exposure limit used or 

recommended by the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer preparing the safety data 

sheet, where available. 

• Appropriate engineering controls (e.g., use local exhaust ventilation, or use only in an enclosed

system). 

• Recommendations for personal protective measures to prevent illness or injury from exposure

to chemicals, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., appropriate types of eye, face, 

skin or respiratory protection needed based on hazards and potential exposure).

• Any special requirements for PPE, protective clothing or respirators (e.g., type of glove material,

such as PVC or nitrile rubber gloves; and breakthrough time of the glove material). 

Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties

This section identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture. 

The minimum required information consists of:

• Appearance (physical state, color, etc.); • Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits;

• Odor; • Vapor pressure; 

• Odor threshold; • Vapor density; 

• pH; • Relative density;

• Melting point/freezing point; • Solubility(ies);

• Initial boiling point and boiling range; • Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water;

• Flash point; • Auto-ignition temperature;

• Evaporation rate; • Decomposition temperature; and

• Flammability (solid, gas); • Viscosity.

The SDS may not contain every item on the above list because information may not be relevant 

or is not available. When this occurs, a notation to that effect must be made for that chemical 

property. Manufacturers may also add other relevant properties, such as the dust deflagration 

index (Kst) for combustible dust, used to evaluate a dust’s explosive potential. 

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Section 10: Stability and Reactivity

This section describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability 

information. This section is broken into three parts: reactivity, chemical stability, and other. 

The required information consists of:

Reactivity

• Description of the specific test data for the chemical(s). This data can be for a class or family 

of the chemical if such data adequately represent the anticipated hazard of the chemical(s), 

where available. 

Chemical stability

• Indication of whether the chemical is stable or unstable under normal ambient temperature 

and conditions while in storage and being handled. 

• Description of any stabilizers that may be needed to maintain chemical stability.

• Indication of any safety issues that may arise should the product change in physical 

appearance.

Other

• Indication of the possibility of hazardous reactions, including a statement whether the chemical 

will react or polymerize, which could release excess pressure or heat, or create other hazardous 

conditions. Also, a description of the conditions under which hazardous reactions may occur.

• List of all conditions that should be avoided (e.g., static discharge, shock, vibrations, or

environmental conditions that may lead to hazardous conditions).

• List of all classes of incompatible materials (e.g., classes of chemicals or specific substances)

with which the chemical could react to produce a hazardous situation.

• List of any known or anticipated hazardous decomposition products that could be produced

because of use, storage, or heating. (Hazardous combustion products should also be included 

in Section 5 (Fire-Fighting Measures) of the SDS.)

Section 11: Toxicological Information

This section identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates that such data 

are not available. The required information consists of:

• Information on the likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact). 

The SDS should indicate if the information is unknown.

• Description of the delayed, immediate, or chronic effects from short- and long-term exposure.

• The numerical measures of toxicity (e.g., acute toxicity estimates such as the LD50 (median

lethal dose)) - the estimated amount [of a substance] expected to kill 50% of test animals in a 

single dose.

• Description of the symptoms. This description includes the symptoms associated with

exposure to the chemical including symptoms from the lowest to the most severe exposure.

• Indication of whether the chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) 

Report on Carcinogens (latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the 

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions) or found 

to be a potential carcinogen by OSHA.

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Section 12: Ecological Information (non-mandatory)

This section provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the chemical(s) if it 

were released to the environment. The information may include: 

• Data from toxicity tests performed on aquatic and/or terrestrial organisms, where available

(e.g., acute or chronic aquatic toxicity data for fish, algae, crustaceans, and other plants; toxicity 

data on birds, bees, plants).

• Whether there is a potential for the chemical to persist and degrade in the environment either

through biodegradation or other processes, such as oxidation or hydrolysis. 

• Results of tests of bioaccumulation potential, making reference to the octanol-water partition

coefficient (Kow) and the bioconcentration factor (BCF), where available.

• The potential for a substance to move from the soil to the groundwater (indicate results from

adsorption studies or leaching studies). 

• Other adverse effects (e.g., environmental fate, ozone layer depletion potential, photochemical

ozone creation potential, endocrine disrupting potential, and/or global warming potential).

Section 13: Disposal Considerations (non-mandatory)

This section provides guidance on proper disposal practices, recycling or reclamation of the 

chemical(s) or its container, and safe handling practices. To minimize exposure, this section 

should also refer the reader to Section 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) of the SDS. 

The information may include:

• Description of appropriate disposal containers to use.

• Recommendations of appropriate disposal methods to employ.

• Description of the physical and chemical properties that may affect disposal activities.

• Language discouraging sewage disposal.

• Any special precautions for landfills or incineration activities.

Section 14: Transport Information (non-mandatory)

This section provides guidance on classification information for shipping and transporting of 

hazardous chemical(s) by road, air, rail, or sea. The information may include:

• UN number (i.e., four-figure identification number of the substance)2. 

• UN proper shipping name2. 

• Transport hazard class(es)2. 

• Packing group number, if applicable, based on the degree of hazard2. 

• Environmental hazards (e.g., identify if it is a marine pollutant according to the International

Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)). 

• Guidance on transport in bulk (according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/783 and the International 

Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk 

(International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code)). 

• Any special precautions which an employee should be aware of or needs to comply with, in

connection with transport or conveyance either within or outside their premises (indicate 

when information is not available).

2 Found in the most recent edition of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of 

Dangerous Goods.

3 MARPOL 73/78 means the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 

1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, as amended.

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Section 15: Regulatory Information (non-mandatory)

This section identifies the safety, health, and environmental regulations specific for the product 

that is not indicated anywhere else on the SDS. The information may include:

• Any national and/or regional regulatory information of the chemical or mixtures (including any

OSHA, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, or Consumer Product 

Safety Commission regulations).

Section 16: Other Information

This section indicates when the SDS was prepared or when the last known revision was made. 

The SDS may also state where the changes have been made to the previous version. You may 

wish to contact the supplier for an explanation of the changes. Other useful information also may 

be included here.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must ensure that the SDSs 

are readily accessible to employees for all 

hazardous chemicals in their workplace. This 

may be done in many ways. For example, 

employers may keep the SDSs in a binder or 

on computers as long as the employees have 

immediate access to the information without 

leaving their work area when needed and a 

back-up is available for rapid access to the 

SDS in the case of a power outage or other 

emergency. Furthermore, employers may 

want to designate a person(s) responsible for 

obtaining and maintaining the SDSs. If the 

employer does not have an SDS, the employer 

or designated person(s) should contact the 

manufacturer to obtain one. 

References

OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) and Appendix D.

United Nations Globally Harmonized System of 

Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), 

third revised edition, United Nations, 2009. 

These references and other information 

related to the revised Hazard Communication 

Standard can be found on OSHA’s Hazard 

Communication Safety and Health Topics 

page, located at: 

http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html.

Disclaimer: This brief provides a general 

overview of the safety data sheet 

requirements in the Hazard Communication 

Standard (see 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) and 

Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.1200). It does not 

alter or determine compliance responsibilities 

in the standard or the Occupational Safety 

and Health Act of 1970. Since interpretations 

and enforcement policy may change over 

time, the reader should consult current 

OSHA interpretations and decisions by the 

Occupational Safety and Health Review 

Commission and the courts for additional 

guidance on OSHA compliance requirements. 

Please note that states with OSHA-approved 

state plans may have additional requirements 

for chemical safety data sheets, outside of 

those outlined above. For more information 

on those standards, please visit: 

http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/statestandards.html. 

This is one in a series of informational briefs highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does 

not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements 

of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information 

will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; 

teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

DSG BR-3514 2/2012

www.osha.gov • (800) 321 OSHA (6742)