Safety data sheets



Safety data sheets are aimed at providing information on chemical products that helps users of those chemicals to make a risk assessment. They describe the hazards the chemical presents, and give information on handling, storage and emergency measures in case of accident.



By law – under the REACH regulations (see above) – suppliers of chemicals must provide an up-to-date safety data sheet if a substance is dangerous.



The HSE cautions that a safety data sheet is not a risk assessment. Employers should use the information it contains to help make their own assessment.



An HSE leaflet, REACH and Safety Data Sheets, explains when a safety data sheet is required. Safety data sheets must be dated and must contain information under the following headings:



• identification of the substance/mixture and of the company/undertaking;



• identification of the hazards;



• composition or information about the ingredients;



• first-aid measures;



• fire-fighting measures;



• accidental release measures;



• handling and storage;



• exposure controls or personal protection;



• physical and chemical properties;



• stability and reactivity;



• toxicological information;



• ecological information;



• disposal considerations;



• transport information;



• regulatory information; and



• other information.