SDS 16 Sections Reference Table
Every chemical you receive comes with a safety data sheet, and under GHS the format is the same 16 sections. This reference table shows what each section contains and who on site typically needs it, so people find the answer in seconds.
| Section | Title | What it contains | Typical use on site |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Identification | Product identifier, recommended use, supplier name and address, emergency phone number | Matching the SDS to the container and the supplier |
2 | Hazard(s) identification | GHS classification, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements | Label checks, quick hazard briefing |
3 | Composition / information on ingredients | Chemical identity, CAS numbers, concentration or ranges of hazardous ingredients | Inventory reporting, regulatory lists, allergen or restricted substance checks |
4 | First-aid measures | Measures by route of exposure, most important symptoms, need for medical attention | First aid posters and emergency response |
5 | Fire-fighting measures | Suitable and unsuitable extinguishing media, specific hazards, protective equipment for firefighters | Fire plan and emergency services briefings |
6 | Accidental release measures | Personal precautions, containment and cleanup methods | Spill response procedures and kit selection |
7 | Handling and storage | Safe handling precautions, storage conditions and incompatibilities | Warehouse segregation and storage layout |
8 | Exposure controls / personal protection | Occupational exposure limits, engineering controls, PPE specifications | PPE assignment and ventilation decisions |
9 | Physical and chemical properties | Appearance, odor, pH, melting and boiling point, flash point, vapor pressure, density, solubility | Process design, tank density, flash point classification |
10 | Stability and reactivity | Reactivity, chemical stability, hazardous reactions, conditions and materials to avoid, decomposition products | Compatibility checks and storage limits |
11 | Toxicological information | Routes of exposure, acute and chronic effects, toxicity data such as LD50 and LC50 | Health risk assessment and medical surveillance |
12 | Ecological information | Ecotoxicity, persistence, bioaccumulation, mobility in soil (non-mandatory under OSHA) | Environmental risk and discharge decisions |
13 | Disposal considerations | Waste treatment and disposal methods (non-mandatory under OSHA) | Waste characterization and disposal contractor selection |
14 | Transport information | UN number, proper shipping name, transport hazard class, packing group (non-mandatory under OSHA) | Shipping papers and dangerous goods classification |
15 | Regulatory information | Safety, health and environmental regulations specific to the product (non-mandatory under OSHA) | Compliance checks and reporting thresholds |
16 | Other information | Date of preparation or last revision and other useful information | Confirming you hold the current revision |
Based on the 16-section GHS format used by OSHA HazCom 2012 and many other jurisdictions. Requirements differ by country; OSHA does not enforce sections 12 to 15 but the format includes them. Always read the actual supplier SDS for the product.
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How to use the table
Search by section number or by what you are looking for, such as flash point, PPE, first aid or UN number, and the table shows the section that holds it. Operators usually need sections 2, 4, 6 and 8; storage and warehouse staff need 7, 9 and 10; EHS and compliance need 3, 11 to 15; and buyers confirm the revision date in section 16. Export the table to put in an SDS binder or onboarding pack.
- Section 8 sets PPE and exposure limits.
- Section 9 gives flash point and density for process work.
- Section 14 supports shipping classification.
Standard and scope
The 16-section order comes from the UN Globally Harmonized System, adopted in the United States by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) in its 2012 revision, in the EU through CLP and REACH, and in many other regions with local variations. Older MSDS formats differed in order and length. Under OSHA, sections 12 to 15 must appear in the format but their content is not enforced by OSHA, as other agencies cover those topics.
Keeping an SDS index current
An SDS index lists each chemical with supplier, product code, revision date and storage location. Common problems are expired revisions, missing sheets for newly purchased products, sheets that do not match the exact product code, and no link between the SDS and the ERP item master. Review the index when you add a new supplier or item, and at least annually. Pair this table with an inventory tracking worksheet to maintain the index itself.
- Check the revision date in section 16.
- Keep SDS accessible on every shift.
- Link SDS to the ERP item where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sections are in an SDS?
Sixteen under GHS, in a fixed order from identification through other information. OSHA HazCom 2012 and many other national systems follow this layout, so the same section number holds the same type of information across suppliers.
Where do I find the flash point on an SDS?
Section 9, physical and chemical properties, lists flash point along with boiling point, vapor pressure, density and pH. Section 5 may also reference fire hazards. Always use the value for the exact product code you hold.
What is the difference between MSDS and SDS?
MSDS is the older term and format, which varied by supplier. SDS is the GHS-aligned 16-section format. In the United States, OSHA required the move to SDS under the 2012 HazCom revision, so current documents should use the SDS layout.
Are all 16 sections mandatory?
All sections must be present in the format. Under OSHA, the content of sections 12 to 15 is not enforced by OSHA because other agencies regulate it, but suppliers usually complete them. Other jurisdictions have their own requirements.
If you want SDS documents linked to ERP items and flagged when a revision is old, Netray can help build that with read-only access to your item master and document store.
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