4. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

In the first part of this course, we discussed the legal rights and duties regarding hazardous chemical agents (HCA).  

We also reviewed hazardous products and activities, looked at the different hazardous agents classifications and discussed the different ways hazardous chemical agents can enter the body and the effect thereof on the body.  

In this part we are going to discuss:  

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS).  

• Storage of hazardous chemical agents (HCA).  

• Signage, labelling, HCA register and disposal of HCA.  

• How to management and control risk from HCA, and 

• Emergency preparedness

Many substances may present hazards at work.  However, if the hazards are known and understood, appropriate precautions can be taken so that they can be used safely.  An SDS will help a workplace to gather necessary information to safely manage the hazardous agent.  

When new agents are to be introduced into the workplace, you should make arrangements to get a copy of the SDS before the agent is brought into the workplace.

The information in the table below should be used by a manufacturer or importer as a guide for the detail of information that should be provided on a SDS.

Not all of the items listed in the detail of information will be relevant to all hazardous agents.

The information in the table below should be used by a manufacturer or importer as a guide for the detail of information that should be provided on a SDS.

To keep an SDS current it should be reviewed whenever there is: 

• A change in formulation which:
  • Affects the hazardous properties of the agent.
  • Alters the form or appearance of the agent, or
  • Alters the mode of application of the agent.  

• A change to the hazardous agent which alters its health and/or safety hazard or risk; and  

• New health and/or safety information on the hazardous agent, for example, the exposure standard changes or an agent previously considered not harmful is now established to be carcinogenic.

You can also obtain information on hazardous chemical agents from health risk assessment reports, SHERQ department or, if applicable, the site clinic.

Refer to the Annexure for an example of a completed SDS.