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Hazard Communication Standard for
Chemical Labels and Safety Data Sheets
In GHS Format
This fact sheet —intended for employees, employers and suppliers-
provides an overview of the required contents of Safety Data Sheets
(SDSs) and chemical hazard labels, and includes tips on how employers
and workers can use these materials to better protect health and the
environment by providing enhanced and consistent information on
chemical hazards. Always review SDSs and hazard labels before using
a new product—the information it contains can guide you in selecting
which products to use in the workplace.
What is an SDS?
An SDS is an important document that explains the hazards, precau-
tions, and response actions for a particular chemical-containing
product. An SDS also explains proper medical or first aid treatment,
should overexposure occur. SDSs are developed by the manufacturer
and provided by the product supplier. Many suppliers post their SDSs on
their websites.
What should employers do with SDSs?
As an employee, you have a right to know about the identity and
hazards of chemicals at work. This information is found in product
labels, SDSs, technical data sheets and product application guides.
Federal law, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Hazard Communication standard, requires that employers provide
employees with access to SDSs while they are in their work areas. An
SDS binder of paper copies is usually used, although electronic access
is okay. Employers must keep an accurate list of hazardous chemical-
containing products used in the workplace, and ensure an SDS is
available for all products in the inventory.
Is training required?
Employers must ensure employees are trained to understand the hazard
and precautionary information found on chemical container labels and
SDSs, and how to work safely with chemicals. The training must include
information on the hazards of chemicals; protection measures, including
work practices, emergency procedures and personal protective equip-
ment such as gloves and safety glasses; and ways to detect a spill or
release of chemical.
Are there other sources of product information?
In addition to SDSs, product manufacturers often provide supplemen-
tary guidance for their products. These resources— commonly referred
to as technical data sheets and application guides—provide important
recommendations on product characteristics, performance and neces-
sary safety equipment, as well as conditions for application and usage.
December 2015
What is the GHS?
The United Nations Globally Harmonized
System (GHS) for Classification and Label-
ing of Chemicals defines a standard way of
classifying and describing the hazards of
chemical-containing products that are found
on SDSs.
A given product often fits in more than one
hazard class and a typical solvent may fit in
at least three classes—flammable liquid, skin
irritant, and narcotic effects (causing drowsi-
ness or dizziness). Most hazard classes are
divided into categories based on the severity
of the hazard; for example, a particular toxic
material may be classified as either fatal if
inhaled, toxic if inhaled, or simply, harmful if
inhaled.
OSHA revised its hazard communication
regulation to adopt the GHS (rev. 3), to
provide greater consistency, and to improve
the quality and readability of labels and
SDSs.
Formerly referred to as material safety data
sheets (or MSDSs), SDSs are developed by
the manufacturer or importer and provided
by the product supplier. Starting June 1,
2015, suppliers must provide SDSs in the
new, standardized GHS format.
A	United States
Environmental Protection
BhI	Agency

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Label Overview
Standard label elements are assigned for each GHS hazard classification and category. These include the signal words, picto-
grams, standardized hazard statements and standardized precautionary statements, as well as the product identifier, product
name, and contact information for the responsible party.
The use of signal words—like danger or warning— indicates the severity of the hazard. Signal words are not used for lower
hazard materials. Hazard statements describe the type and severity of the hazard.
Precautionary statements provide four types of guidance for working safely with a material:
•	Prevention	• Storage
•	Response	• Disposal
Pictoerams tell the type of hazard—for example, a skull and crossbones pictogram is displayed for poisons that may cause
serious health effects after brief exposure, while a flame pictogram is used for materials that catch fire easily. Shown below
are the three pictograms used for health hazards, and the one used for environmental hazards. Five others (not shown) are
used for physical hazards such as fire and explosion. In the US, the use of the environment pictogram is considered optional,
although some label and SDS preparers choose to include it when recommended by the international GHS guidelines.
The "star man" is used mainly for chronic
hazards that could occur with long-term expo-
sure to low levels of a chemical, such as cancer,
asthma, harmful effects on organs such as the
liver, kidneys, brain, or reproductive health.
The exclamation point pictogram is used for
less severe health hazards such as irritants,
chemicals that could cause dizziness or drowsi-
ness if inhaled, chemicals that could cause
allergic skin reactions, and chemicals that are
ozone-depleting substances.
The "skull and crossbones" is used for poisons
that can cause toxic effects after brief expo-
sures to small amounts.
The environment pictogram is used for chemi-
cals that could cause toxicity to fish and other
aquatic life.
Sample Solvent Label
Contact and Product
Precautionary Statements
Information
Keep container tightly closed. Store in cool, well ventilated place that is locked.
Includes product identifier and name
Keep away from heat/sparks/open flame. No smoking.
Includes name, address and phone number
Use only non-sparking tools.
of responsible party.
Use explosion-proof electrical equipment.
Danger
W
Take precautionary measures against static discharge.
Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
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Avoid breathing vapors. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Wear protective gloves. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Wash hands thor-
NX
oughly after handling.
Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, national, international regulations as specified.
Hazard Statements
In Case of Fire: use dry chemical (BC) or carbon dioxide (C02) fire extinguisher to extinguish.
Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
If in eyes: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy
to do. Continue rinsing.
Causes mild skin irritation.
If inhaled, remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Call a poison center/
Causes serious eye irritation.
doctor if you feel unwell.
May cause drowsiness or dizziness
If on skin (on hair): Take off immediately any contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
December 2015
A	United States
Environmental Protection
a m Agency

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SDS Overview
The GHS defines a standardized format for the information included in an SDS. The first three sections of any SDS include:
•	Critical information that identifies the chemical-containing product and its hazardous ingredients;
•	Duplicates the text found on the container label that provides product users with important information about
potential hazards and appropriate precautions; and
•	Lists the hazardous ingredients contained in the product.
The later sections of any SDS include more technical information that can be useful in selecting "greener" products. Sections
12, 13, 14 and 15 are noted as optional since they do not relate directly to safety in the workplace and are outside of OSHA's
jurisdiction. However, many SDS preparers use these sections to include information regarding Federal or State transporta-
tion, disposal and Right to Know requirements that apply to their products.
1. Product Identifier/Contact Information
The first section of an SDS provides the product name used on the container label and any synonyms, such as catalog numbers. It also lists
the recommended use and restrictions on use. The manufacturer's name, address, phone number and emergency phone number are also
provided.
2. Hazards Identification
The information found on the product label is repeated here, includ-
ing the pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and the four
types of standard precautionary statements (prevention, response,
storage and disposal).
Look here for hazard warnings and precautions related to
the type and severity of hazards
This section lists the GHS hazard classifications, for example, flammable liquid, skin irritation, and/or reproductive toxicity. For each hazard
class, it shows the category, which tells the severity. The number of categories varies between hazard classes, but category 1 is always
the most serious hazard. A category 1 flammable would carry the hazard statement "extremely flammable," while a category 3 would be
labeled "flammable."
3. Composition/Ingredients
Hazardous ingredients with approximate percentages or range of concentrations are listed here, along with Chemical Abstract Service
(CAS) numbers. Some of this information may be withheld as proprietary.
4. First-Aid Measures
Look here for first-aid information about how to respond to accidental exposure by inhalation, skin/eye contact, or ingestion. Section 4
also provides the acute and delayed symptoms and effects of exposure and instructions for special medical treatment.
5. Fire-Fighting Measures
This section provides information for fighting a fire involving the product, such as appropriate extinguisher types, hazards such as combus-
tion products and special precautions for firefighters.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Guidance for response to spills or emergencies, including precautions, personal protective equipment (PPE), and methods and materials
for containment and clean-up is provided in this section.
7. Handling And Storage
This section describes precautions for safe handling and storage.
Look here for special storage requirements such as, keep
away from heat, light, or incompatible chemicals.
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Exposure limits are provided here, when known. Types include OSHA
Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), American Conference of Govern- ^
mental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and
others.
Engineering controls such as ventilation would be specified in this
section. Examples of PPE that may be recommended include gloves,
goggles, protective clothing, or a respirator.
Exposure limits indicate a hazardous level of inhalation
exposure for the hazardous ingredients.
This section describes protective practices such as
ventilation and PPE.
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A	United States
Environmental Protection
a m Agency

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9. Physical And Chemical Properties
This section lists physical and chemical properties of the product or ingredients which can help in identifying potential hazards.
• Appearance (physical state, color)
•	Odor
•	Odor threshold
•	pH
•	Melting point/freezing point
•	Initial boiling point, boiling range
•	Flash point
•	Evaporation rate
•	Flammability (solid, gas)
•	Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits
•	Vapor pressure
•	Vapor density
•	Relative density
•	Solubility(ies)
•	Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water)
•	Auto-ignition temperature
•	Decomposition temperature
•	Viscosity
10. Stability And Rectivity
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Odor thresholds indicate the concentration at which a chemical
can be smelled. If the odor threshold is higher than the expo
sure limit (listed in Section 8), workers can be over exposed
without realizing it.
The pH measures how acidic or caustic the material is, which
can help determine the hazard of skin or inhalation exposure,
and how likely the chemical is to react with other materials.
Products with a pH value less than 2 or greater than 12.5 are
more hazardous.
Volatile liquids that evaporate readily at room temperature
pose a greater risk of inhalation. A boiling point below 95°F
or an evaporation rate greater than 3.0 are considered more
volatile. The vapor pressure also indicates the volatility.
This section describes chemical stability, possibility of hazardous reactions, conditions to avoid (such as impact, vibration, or electrical
sparks), and incompatible materials that should not be mixed with the product.
11. Toxicological Information
The health and toxicological effects information are listed
here. This should include a description of the immediate
effects, delayed effects of short-term exposure, and the
effects of chronic (long-term, repeated) exposure.
This section explains whether breathing or skin/eye contact
are a concern for exposure, and what symptoms workers may
have if exposed to the product.
Look here to determine whether any ingredient is listed as a
known or suspected cancer-causing agent (carcinogen).
12. Ecological Information (optional section)
Environmental toxicity and persistence information may be reported here.
13. Disposal Considerations (optional section)
Disposal requirements may be reported here, such as whether the chemical is listed as a hazardous waste under the Resource, Conserva-
tion and Recovery Act (RCRA).
14. Transport Information (optional section)
Department of Transportation (DOT) packaging requirements for shipping may be shown here.
15. Regulatory Information (optional section)
State Right to Know Law listings may be included here, as well as Threshold Planning Quantities defined under the Emergency Planning
and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA).
16. Other Information/Preparation Date
The date of preparation or most recent revision of the SDS must be stated here.
For More Information
•	OSHA Brief of Hazard Communication Standard: Labels and Pictoerams
•	OSHA Brief of Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets
•	OSHA's Hazard Communication safety and Health Topics Website
December 2015
A	United States
Environmental Protection
a m Agency

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