Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard in Chapter 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (29CFR 1910.1200) requires descriptive chemical data sheets to serve as the basis for communicating chemical hazards – these data sheets are SDS and are required to be included with chemical shipments.

Safety Data Sheets are written or printed material concerning a hazardous chemical which is prepared in accordance with 29CFR 1910.1200 (g).

Information to look for when using SDS: Section # on SDS
Chemical Product name and Manufacturer – identity, product formal or trade name and synonyms are listed. 1
Hazardous components – listed by percentage by total weight and the exposure limits for each component causing ill-effects. 2
Health hazard, including an estimate of total hazard, the way exposure occurs, effects in short/long-term, acceptable concentrations in air, and emergency/first aid procedures. 3, 4, 11
Fire and explosion hazards associated with the chemical. 5
Spill and disposal procedures. 6, 13
Reactivity described in terms of stability, conditions which may produce hazardous decomposition or polymerization, and/or incompatibilities. 7, 9, 10
Special precautions. 8
Physical data for the chemical, such as boiling point, vapor pressure, specific gravity, etc. 9

SDS Program

Each lab at Miami University should have copies of SDSs available for use in the laboratory. Some labs store SDSs in the Blue Binder, entitled, "Chemical Management Guide". Other labs have a Red Binder, entitled, "SDS" (usually purchased by faculty/staff from laboratory supply catalog companies).

In order for Miami University to comply with regulations regarding SDS availability, EHSO requests the original of each SDS received for chemicals. Keep copies for your use! EHSO archives these so that they will be available upon request, or in the case of emergencies. Departmental office staff forwards these to EHSO.