How to Obtain SDS Sheets Certification

SDS (Safety Data Sheet), previously known as MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), is a comprehensive document providing information about chemical substances, including their composition, physical and chemical properties, fire and explosion hazards, toxicity, environmental impacts, safe handling, emergency response measures, and relevant laws and regulations. It serves as a critical guide for ensuring the safe handling, storage, transportation, and use of chemicals.

Main Contents

1. Chemical and Company Identification

Includes basic information such as the chemical’s name (chemical name, common name, etc.), manufacturer’s name, address, and contact details.

Example: For a chemical like "Sodium Hydroxide," the SDS will specify that it is produced by XX Chemical Co., Ltd., located at XX Road, XX District, XX City, along with a contact number.

2. Composition/Information on Ingredients

Lists detailed composition, including main ingredients and impurities. For mixtures, each component's name and concentration range are specified.

Example: For a type of paint, it might list resin (approx. 60%), pigment (approx. 20%), and solvent (approx. 20%), along with their chemical names.

3. Hazards Identification

Summarizes the primary hazards such as flammability, explosiveness, toxicity, and corrosiveness, and explains possible effects on human health and the environment.

Example: The SDS for chlorine will note its strong oxidizing properties and toxicity, and explain that inhaling high concentrations can irritate the respiratory tract, cause coughing, difficulty breathing, or even pulmonary edema.

4. First-Aid Measures

Details specific first-aid procedures for different types of exposure, such as skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, and ingestion.

Example: For sulfuric acid exposure, contaminated clothing should be removed immediately, and the affected skin should be flushed with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes; in case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with running water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes.

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Describes the chemical’s combustion characteristics, such as flash point, ignition point, and explosive limits, and recommends suitable extinguishing agents and methods.

Example: Ethanol has a low flash point and burns with a pale blue flame; appropriate extinguishing media include alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide, or sand.

6. Accidental Release Measures

Outlines emergency procedures for chemical spills, including personal protection, containment, and environmental precautions.

Example: For benzene leaks, responders should wear positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical protective clothing, cut off the leak source if possible, and prevent entry into sewers. Small spills can be absorbed with inert materials like activated carbon.

7. Handling and Storage

Provides precautions for safe handling and storage, including environmental requirements, protective measures, and storage conditions (temperature, humidity, lighting, etc.).

Example: Nitric acid should be stored in a cool, ventilated area, with containers tightly sealed and separated from reducing agents, bases, alcohols, and alkali metals.

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Specifies occupational exposure limits (time-weighted average concentrations, short-term exposure limits) and required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Example: For workplaces handling formaldehyde, the permissible 8-hour time-weighted average exposure limit may be set at 0.5 mg/m³, requiring the use of half-mask respirators with chemical cartridges, chemical safety goggles, protective clothing, and rubber gloves.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Describes the substance’s appearance, pH value, boiling point, melting point, density, solubility, etc.

Example: Sodium chloride appears as white crystals, has a pH around 7, a melting point of 801°C, a boiling point of 1465°C, and a density of 2.165 g/cm³, and is easily soluble in water.

10. Stability and Reactivity

Details the chemical’s stability and potential reactivity with other substances.

Example: Hydrogen peroxide is unstable and decomposes under heat or light; it also reacts violently with many reducing agents.

11. Toxicological Information

Provides data on acute, subacute, and chronic toxicity.

Example: Mercury is a toxic heavy metal; acute exposure may cause stomatitis and gastroenteritis, with severe cases leading to acute renal failure. Chronic exposure can result in a variety of symptoms related to mercury poisoning.

12. Ecological Information

Explains the chemical’s impact on the environment, such as toxicity to aquatic life and soil microorganisms.

Example: Certain pesticides may be toxic to aquatic organisms, causing fish mortality and inhibiting algae growth, and may also affect soil microbial activity.

13. Disposal Considerations

Specifies methods for recycling or safely disposing of chemicals.

Example: Waste organic solvents can often be recovered through distillation, while non-recyclable hazardous chemical wastes must be disposed of by certified hazardous waste handlers according to regulations.

14. Transport Information

Provides transportation requirements, including packaging categories, transportation methods, and precautions.

Example: Vehicles transporting hazardous chemicals must meet safety standards; vehicles transporting explosives must be equipped with fire and explosion-proof devices and must follow designated routes.

15. Regulatory Information

Lists applicable laws and regulations, such as the domestic "Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals" and control measures in different countries and regions.

This helps ensure compliance with legal requirements during chemical production, operation, and use.

SDS Certification Process

1. Preparation of SDS

Typically, chemical manufacturers or importers are responsible for preparing the SDS.

Preparers must collect detailed information on the chemical's composition, properties, hazards, etc., and draft the SDS following regulatory formats. They may consult chemical databases, experimental data, and government guidelines.

2. Review and Verification

Once drafted, the SDS undergoes internal review to ensure accuracy and completeness. Some companies also hire third-party professional agencies to verify the document against applicable standards and real-world conditions.

3. Certification and Release

After successful review and verification, the SDS can be officially issued. Companies must ensure easy access to SDSs for relevant personnel, such as making them available in workplaces or on product packaging.