Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Hazard Communication

Before explaining the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), I will give you a background of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

?In 1992, the United nations conference on environment and development( UNCED) mandate the scope of the GHS as stated in paragraphs 26 and 27 of Agenda 21, chapters 19, program area B, as the following:

"26- Globally Harmonized Hazard Classification and Labeling Systems are not yet available to promote the safe use of chemicals, inter alia, at the workplace or in the home. Classification of chemicals can be made for different purposes and is particularly important to establishing labeling systems. There is a need to develop harmonized hazard classification and labeling systems, building on ongoing work.

26- A Globally Harmonized Classification and Compatible Labeling System, including material safety data sheets* and easily understandable symbols, should be available, if feasible, by the year 2000."

* ( currently known as safety data sheet).

The objective of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is to develop a harmonized hazard communication system, including labeling, safety data sheets, and easily understandable symbols, based on the GHS classification criteria.?

Why?

Consumers rely on product labels for information about the effects of a chemical. While other entities such as air cargo agents, airlines, airport security, and customs have additional sources of information ( e.g. safety data sheet, transport documents) to expand upon or refine product information and relate risk to the hazard information provided.

In air transport, if the air passenger carried any chemical products in his handbag or baggage, the airport security, passenger handling staff and cabin crew can recognize* the chemical product risks from the label on the product package or the product itself.?

*If they found that it is classified as dangerous goods ( matching the GHS label to the symbols of the DG classes labels), if it is forbidden to be carried by the air passenger according to the IATA table 2.3.A, the item is considered hidden dangerous undeclared dangerous goods item and must be taken from the air passenger and reported according to the airline or airport safety policy.?

What is a safety data sheet (SDS)?

The SDS provides comprehensive information about a substance or mixture for use in workplace chemical control regulatory frameworks. Both employers and workers use it as a source of information about hazards, including environmental hazards, and to obtain advice on safety precautions.?

The information acts as a reference source for the management of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The SDS is product related and, usually, is not able to provide specific information that is relevant for any given workplace where the product may finally be used, although where products have specialized end uses, the SDS information may be more workplace-specific.?

The information, therefore, enables the employer :

(a) to develop an active program of worker protection measures, including training, which is specific to the individual workplace; and?

(b) to consider any measures which may be necessary to protect the environment.

Why the need for a safety data sheet (SDS) while shipping by air??

In Air Cargo, the safety data sheet (SDS) provide us with full information regarding the classification of the chemical, whether is it restricted or not. if its restricted, and it is classified as a dangerous goods item, it must be prepared and accepted according to the IATA dangerous goods regulations. If the chemical is not restricted, the proper and trusted SDS must be provided to the airline and attached to the shipping documents according to the airline cargo safety policy.?

Who writes the SDS??

The Chemical manufacturers or suppliers write SDS to meet the legal requirements of the countries in which they market products and distribute materials. The writer of the SDS needs to keep in mind that an SDS must inform its audience of the hazards of a substance or a mixture and provide information on the safe storage, handling, and disposal of the substance or a mixture.

The date of issue of the SDS should be stated and be very apparent. The date of issue is the date the SDS version was made public.?Revised SDS should clearly state the date of issue as well as a version number, revision number, supersedes date, or some other indication of what version is replaced.?

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Format

The information in the SDS shall be writed or prepared using the following 16 headings in the order given below:

1. Identification;

2. Hazard identification;

3. Composition/information on ingredients;

4. First-aid measures;

5. Fire-fighting measures;

6. Accidental release measures;

7. Handling and storage;

8. Exposure controls/personal protection;

9. Physical and chemical properties;

10. Stability and reactivity;

11. Toxicological information;

12. Ecological information;

13. Disposal considerations;

14. Transport information;

15. Regulatory information;

16. Other information

Summary

Chemical manufacturers and suppliers are required to write or develop an SDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Distributors are responsible for ensuring that their customers are provided with a copy of the SDSs.

The role of SDS is to provide detailed information on each hazardous chemical, including its potential hazardous effects, its physical and chemical characteristics, and recommendations for appropriate protective measures.

Employers must ensure that the SDS are readily accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals in their workplace.?

Further reading:

-?????Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), United Nation

?

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