Reading Safety Data Sheets

A Safety Data Sheet is a legally required document providing detailed hazard and handling information for every chemical product.
SDS documents follow a standard 16-section format under the REACH Regulations, making them consistent across all products.
Section 2 identifies the hazards, including GHS hazard pictograms, signal words, and hazard and precautionary statements.
Section 4 describes first aid measures for inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, and ingestion of the substance.
Section 7 covers safe handling and storage, including ventilation requirements and incompatible materials to avoid.
Section 8 specifies the exposure controls and personal protective equipment required when using the product.
The SDS must be available on site before any hazardous substance is used — not locked in the office or filed away.
Workers must be trained to understand the key sections of the SDS relevant to their task before using the product.
COSHH assessments are based on the information in the SDS — without reading it, the assessment cannot be accurate.
SDS documents are provided free of charge by the manufacturer or supplier and must be kept up to date on site.

Know the hazard	The SDS tells you exactly what can harm you and how — without reading it, you are handling chemicals blind.
Correct PPE	Section 8 specifies the exact PPE required — using the wrong gloves or mask because you did not read the SDS gives false protection.
Emergency response	If someone is splashed or inhales fumes, Section 4 tells you the correct first aid — the wrong response can make it worse.

Do

Don't

Read the relevant SDS sections before using any hazardous substance on site.
Check Section 2 for hazard identification and the GHS pictograms on the label.
Follow the PPE requirements specified in Section 8 for your specific task.
Know the first aid measures in Section 4 before starting work with the product.
Ensure the SDS is readily accessible at the point of use, not locked in an office.
Check storage requirements in Section 7 and store the product accordingly.
Verify the SDS is current and matches the product version being used on site.
Ask your supervisor to explain any SDS information you do not understand.
Use the SDS information to complete or review the site COSHH assessment.
Report any product that arrives on site without an accompanying SDS document.

DON'T use any chemical product without first checking the Safety Data Sheet.
DON'T ignore the GHS pictograms — they indicate the type and severity of the hazard.
DON'T substitute different PPE from what Section 8 specifies for the product.
DON'T guess at first aid treatment — Section 4 gives the correct response for each route.
DON'T file the SDS in the office — it must be available where the product is used.
DON'T store incompatible chemicals together — Section 7 identifies dangerous combinations.
DON'T use products with outdated SDS documents — request the current version from the supplier.
DON'T dismiss SDS information as irrelevant — every section exists for your protection.
DON'T prepare COSHH assessments without referring to the SDS for each substance.
DON'T accept chemical deliveries on site without a valid SDS accompanying the product.

See also: COSHH Awareness | Storage & Labelling Requirements

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