Take a top-level glance at what should go into a Canadian Safety Data Sheet, and how the SDS should be stored and displayed.
According the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), safety data sheets are summary documents that provide information about the hazards of a product and instructions regarding safety precautions.
Within the Safety Data Sheets (also called SDS) there are 16 vital sections required for the maintenance of a safe Canadian workplace. Below, we will take a top-level glance at what should go into a Canadian Safety Data Sheet, and how the SDS should be stored and displayed.
Organizing and Storing Your Safety Data Sheets
Safety Data Sheets should be correctly prepared and printed, then sheathed in reliable sheet protectors and stored in a Heavy Duty Binder. A properly prepared SDS binder helps to ensure that the documents are well organized and readily available, allowing staff to quickly find the appropriate sections with ease.. This ease of accessibility gives them the power to efficiently implement appropriate protective measures and comply with regulations.
When preparing your binder, use these items to keep documents, safe and accessible:
A Heavy Duty Binder in the correct ring size: Ensure that your documents are not overcrowded by selecting a Heavy Duty Binder in a large enough size. Avery binders are available in 1”, 1 ½”, 2”, 3”, 4”, and 5” ring sizes.
Sheet Protectors: Use sheet protectors to keep safety data sheets safe from spills, smudges and tears.
Table of Contents Dividers: If the binder storing your safety data sheets contains multiple pages, adding Table of Contents Dividers will make it faster and easier to access the required information.
Laminating Sheet: For an added layer of protection!
What do Safety Data Sheets include
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) contain four main types of information:
• General information about the chemical
• Technical and scientific data
• Information from other agencies
• Additional details to help anyone who works with chemicals understand the risks, how to avoid them, and what to do in an emergency.
What are the 16 Safety Data Sheet sections?
Here is a quick glance at what the 16 sections in SDS should contain. For official, in-depth information about the what to include in your Canadian Safety Data Sheet, please visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
1) Identification
This section of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) identifies the chemical, provides proper usage instructions, usage restrictions, provides Canadian supplier contact information, as well as an emergency phone number and any restrictions on the use of that number if required.
2) Hazard(s) Identification
SDS Section 2 outlines hazard classification, signal words, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements, and descriptions of unclassified hazards are all required.
3) Composition/Information on Ingredients
The third section on an SDS tells you exactly what makes up the product.
4) First Aid Measures
SDS Section 4 includes information regarding exposure to the chemical in question.
5) Firefighting Measures
Section 5 of an SDS documents steps to follow in case of a fire caused by the chemical.
6) Accidental Release Measures
SDS Section 6 details the personal precautions, protective equipment, and emergency procedures required if the chemical in question spills, leaks, or is otherwise released.
7) Handling and Storage
Section 7 on your SDS provides a guideline for safely handling and storing chemicals.
8) Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
SDS Section 8 helps you avoid personal exposure to chemicals in unsafe quantities or over unsafe time periods. It also lists the maximum safe exposure levels and the protective measures you should use to handle the chemical safely.
9) Physical and Chemical Properties
This section lists the chemical’s characteristics on the SDS, such as physical state, colour, odour, etc.
10) Stability and Reactivity
SDS Section 10 tells you how stable the chemical is and the likelihood of hazardous reactions.
11) Toxicological Information
This section of a Safety Data Sheet outlines the health risks associated with poisoning from the chemical.
12) Ecological Information
If chemicals are accidentally released, then this section of the SDS can help you determine the environmental impact.
13) Disposal Considerations
Section 13 lists the information required to safely dispose of, recycle, or reclaim a chemical and/or its container.
14) Transport Information
SDS Section 14 provides information for shipping and transporting hazardous chemicals by road, air, rail, or sea.
15) Regulatory Information
Section 15 includes any additional safety, health, and environmental regulations not indicated elsewhere on the SDS sheet.
Section 16: Other Information
Lastly, within Section 16, you’ll find the date of the most recent update and any other useful information not included elsewhere in the SDS.
Build Your SDS Binder
Start building your Canadian SDS binder by shopping avery.ca for heavy-duty binders, sheet protectors, and table of contents dividers!
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