What is an SDS?
SDS stands for Safety Data Sheet (previously called MSDS • Material Safety Data Sheet)
When do you need an SDS?
Safety Data Sheets are created for any product that is “classified as a “hazardous product” under WHMIS that is intended for use, handling or storage in a workplace in Canada.”
Hazardous product means any product, mixture, material or substance that is classified in accordance with the regulations made under subsection 15(1) in a category or subcategory of a hazard class listed in Schedule 2 Source
Safety Data Sheets are to be provided by the manufacturer or supplier. They can be a hard copy given in-person or mailed, or a digital copy on a USB, a disc or sent via email. It is required that workplaces in Canada maintain an SDS library, whether hard copy or digital, and that it be readily available to all employees.
What is on an SDS?
A Safety Data Sheet is separated into 16 sections, below is a brief outline of what information goes into each section.
SECTION 1 – Identification
SECTION 2 – Hazard Identification
SECTION 3 – Composition/Ingredients
SECTION 4 – First Aid Measures
SECTION 5 – Fire-fighting Measures
SECTION 6 – Accidental Release Measures
SECTION 7 – Handling and Storage
SECTION 8 – Exposure Controls / PPE
SECTION 9 – Physical and Chemical Properties
SECTION 10 – Stability and Reactivity
SECTION 11 – Toxicological Info.
SECTION 12 – Ecological Info.
SECTION 13 – Disposal Considerations
SECTION 14 – Transportation Info.
SECTION 15 – Regulatory Info.
SECTION 16 – Other Info. (Dates, etc.)
How can you manage your SDS library?
Depending on the number of hazardous materials in your workplace, maintaining your SDS library can often end up being a full-time job! Because Safety Data Sheets are not always provided as easily or up-to-date as they are required, locating the correct copy often takes research, correspondence with the manufacturer and more.
Why do you need help managing your Safety Data Sheets?
Instead of taking up the time of a valuable employee in your company, hiring professionals for your SDS Management is the best way to go. We hire a lawyer to assist with our legal matters, and a plumber to assist with our plumbing, so why not leave this to the professionals as well. Managing your Safety Data Sheets is a matter of not only compliance with legal requirements, but they also provide the needed information to keep your workplace as safe as possible.
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