Safety Data Sheets

Hello Health and safety todays discussion is an overview of safety data sheets. In 2012, the United States Department of Labor Occupational Health and Safety Administration updated hazardous communications. Their goal to give workers the right to understand. The hazard communications standard requires that the chemical manufacturer, distributer or importer provide safety data sheets for each product to downstream customers to communicate information on these hazards. The safety data sheets are required to be presented in a consistent sixteen-section format. The SDS includes information such as:

• The properties of each chemical.
• The physical health and environmental health hazards.
• Protective measures and safety precautions.
• Handling, storing and transporting chemicals

 

SDS Overview

Sections one through eight contain general information

• Identification
• Hazards
• Composition
• Safe handling practices
• Emergency control measures

Sections nine through eleven and sixteen contain other technical and scientific information. Sections twelve through fifteen are not mandatory as other standards cover those sections.

So why have safety data sheet s at all? The Globally Harmonized System was created by the United Nations as a way to bring into agreement the chemical regulations and standards of different countries. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe[1] major aim was to promote Pan-European economic integration. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe included 56 member states including Europe, North America and Asia. The United States was one of the original members. The organization was commissioned in 1947 as a result of world war two. The commissions primary objective was to initiate and participate in measures for facilitating concerted action for the economic reconstruction of Europe. They also wanted to raise the level of European economic activity, and maintain and strengthen the economic relations for the European countries among themselves and with other countries around the world.[2]

We are now seventy years past the creation of the commission. Global trade and travels has had a dramatic change. A chemical produced on any continent; can be purchased via the internet and shipped around the world.  In only a few days. This led to the commission of the Global Harmonized system. The idea is to allow consumers from around the globe knowledge about the contents of the hazardous chemicals they are interested in purchasing. The Global harmonized system is not a global law or regulation.  It’s a system. Think of it as a set of recommendations or a collection of best practices. No country is obligated to adopt all or part of the system. Counties can choose pieces of the GHS that want to incorporate into their own regulations. Each adopting country is responsible for enforcement in its own jurisdiction. By the end of 2015, 65 countries had adopted the Global Harmonized system.  Or was in the process of adopting it. The intent is that every country will have incorporated the concepts of the Global Harmonized system    into their own chemical management systems with the goal of making the international sale, transportation of hazardous chemicals easier. As well as making workplace conditions safer for all employees exposed to chemical hazards.

The United States officially adopted the Global Harmonized System on March 26, of 2012. OSHA adoption is actually a revision of the hazards communication standard to align with the Global Harmonized System. OSHA called this revision HAZCOM 2012.[3] The most notable changes brought by the Global Harmonized System are changes to safety labels, safety data sheets and chemical classifications.

SDS Sections

Section 1 Product Identification

So, this is an example of section one of the safety data sheet for Gorilla Glue. As you can see it contains a product identifier, the intended use of the product, the manufacturer name, address, phone number and emergency phone number and other common names or synonyms for which the substance could be known.

Section 2 Hazardous identification

This section includes the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards. The codification of the hazards includes a three number sequence to help the end used identify the hazards of the chemicals with the first letter being an H followed by one of three numbers. The number “2” means it is a physical hazard. The number “3” means it is a health hazard. The number “4” means it is an environmental hazard.  The two numbers at the end represent the level of the hazard. (GHS Annex 2)[4]

As an example let’s look at the Gorilla Glue hazards identification. There is a concern of acute toxicity as H332. H332 refers to harmful inhalation. Now, all manufacturers will use the Globally Harmonized System hazardous tables. Allowing the end user the ability to read hazard; look up its hazard level and make a knowledgeable decision about the correct use and handling of the product.

All labels and SDS must now include pictograms. A pictogram is a hazard symbol representing the hazards in the product.

Gorilla glue chose two pictograms: the exclamation mark and the health hazard. Both work well with the hazard statements they also chose. They also picked one signal word: Danger.

Also in section two, are precautionary statements. They have a similar charting system as the hazard statements. The first letter is a P. The second symbol is a two through five. The two meaning it is a general issue, the three is a response, four is storage and five is disposal, in the precautionary statements. The last two numbers refer to the sequencing on the chart.[5]

In the example above, the manufacturer’s concern is safety prevention and uses the two section a lot. The last two numbers show the location in the sequence in the annex three-sequence charts in the globally harmonized system docs. (GHS Annex 3)[6]

The last item in the section is call other hazards. It covers other health hazards. In the example, the hazard notes that it may cause gastro-intestinal blockage if swallowed. Seek medical advice immediately. Contains isocyanates. May produce an allergic reaction.  In this example the maker describes a potential problem in case someone eats the product. It includes the name of the ingredient that could produce the health hazard.

Section 3 Composition/information on ingredients

This section includes information on chemical ingredients and trade secret claims. The chemical name and concentration such as the exact percentage of all the ingredients that are classified as health hazards. And the concentration of each ingredient should be specified.

In the past manufacturers could leave out chemicals when a trade secret was claimed. Now the manufacturer must list all chemical identities their concentration of composition that had been withheld in the past.[7]

Section 4 First Aid Measures

First aid measures include important symptoms and required treatment. This section describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an individual who had been exposed to the chemical.  These include inhalation, skin contact, eye contact and ingestion. The information also includes symptoms that are acute and delayed. And the importance of any immediate medical attention needed.

Section 5 Firefighting measures

Firefighting measures include extinguishing techniques, equipment needed and chemical hazards. This section includes advice for firefighting a fire caused by the chemical including recommendations on special protective equipment and precautions for firefighters.

 

Section 6 Accidental release measures

This section lists emergency procedures, protective equipment and proper methods of containment and cleanup. This section provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks or releases. This includes containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, property or the environment.

 

Section 7 Handling and Storage

This section provides guidance on the safe handling and storage practices of chemicals. This includes the conditions of the safe storage and any incompatibility’s and ventilation requirements.

Section 8 Exposure controls/personnel protection

This section indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls and personnel protection measures that can be used  to minimize worker exposure. This includes any specific or special requirements for personnel protection equipment, protect clothing and or respirators.

As one looks through this section, you will suddenly be overwhelmed with abbreviations, locations and amounts.  Right now we are taking a pause to discuss these things.

Abbreviations you need to know

OSHA                    Occupational Safety and Health administration

OEL                        Occupational exposure limit

TLV                         Threshold limit value—refers to airborne concentration of chemical substances and represents conditions under which it is believed which all workers may be repeatedly exposed day after day, week after week over a working lifetime without adverse effects for the chemicals they are handling. [8]

There are different kinds of TLV’s

TLV_TWA             The expose amounts are based on a Time weighted average for 8 hours a day 40 hours    a week. This is an agreed upon working life time exposure.

TLV-STEL               Short-term exposure limit. This is a fifteen-minute TWA exposure

PEL                         Permissible exposure limit. It is the maximum exposure of an employee to a chemical in their lifetime that is believed safe.

 

Section 9 Physical and chemical properties

This section lists the chemical characteristics. This section identifies physical and chemical properties associated with a substance or mixture.

 

Section 10 Stability and reactivity

This lists the chemical stability and possible hazardous reactions. Chemical reactivity is the tendency of a substance to undergo chemical reaction by itself or with other materials and may release energy.[9]

Reactivity includes hazardous reactions and the description under which a hazardous reaction might occur. This section might also include a list of all conditions that should be avoided. In addition, a list or classification of materials with which the chemical could react creating a hazardous situation.

Section 11 Toxicological information

The required information consists of likely route of exposure such as inhalation, skin contact, eye contact and ingestion.

Section 12 Ecological information

This section provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the chemical if it were released into environment.

Section 13 Disposal considerations

The information may include recommendations of correct disposal methods to employ. A description of the physical or chemical properties may effect disposal activities. And language discouraging sewage disposal.  Any special precautions for landfills or incineration activities.

Section 14 Transportation information

Information for shipping or transporting hazardous chemicals by road, air, rail or sea. Any special precautions, which an employee should be aware of and need to comply with when, connected to transporting or conveying within or outside of their working premises.

Section 15 Regulatory information

This section includes federal and state information that may concern any chemical and the product. This section identifies safety, health and environmental regulations specific to the product that are not indicated anywhere else in the SDS. This information may include any national or regional regulatory information with the chemicals or mixtures. Information from the department of transportation, environmental protection agency or the consumer products safety commission.

Section 16 Other information

This section indicates when the SDS was prepared and when the last known revise was made.

Employers responsibilities

Employers must ensure the SDS are readily available to the employees for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace. This may be done in many ways. For example, employers may keep the SDS in a binder or in a computer. As long as employees have immediate access to the information without leaving their work area when needed. And a backup is available for rapid access. Further, the employer may want to designate a person responsible for obtaining and maintaining the SDS’s. If the employer does not have the SDS the employer and designated person should contact the manufacturer and obtain one.

Here is a quick review of all the sections inside the SDS and a reminder; sections 1-11 are mandatory as well as section 16. Sections 12-15 are mot as other agencies regulate that information.

 

Section 1, Identification includes product identifier

Section 2, Hazard(s) identification.

Section 3, Composition/information

Section 4, First-aid measures

Section 5, Fire-fighting measures

Section 6, Accidental release measures

Section 7, Handling and storage

Section 8, Exposure controls/personal protection

Section 9, Physical and chemical properties lists the chemical’s characteristics.

Section 10, Stability and reactivity Section 11, Toxicological information

Section 12, Ecological information*

Section 13, Disposal considerations*

Section 14, Transport information*

Section 15, Regulatory information*

Section 16, Other information

Good luck health and safety.

[1] UNECE and the Global Goals, www.unece.org/info/about-unece/mission/unece-and-the-global-goals.html.

[2] History, www.unece.org/oes/history/history.html.

[3] Hazard Communication, www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/HCSFinalRegTxt.html.

[4] “UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev04/English/06e_annex2.pdf

[5] “United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.” UNECE Homepage, 29 Nov. 2017, www.unece.org//fileadmin/DAM/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev04/English/07e_annex3.pdf.

[6] “United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.” UNECE Homepage, 29 Nov. 2017, www.unece.org//fileadmin/DAM/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev04/English/07e_annex3.pdf.

[7] “UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=10099

[8] “ACGIH® Community.” TLV&Reg- Chemical Substances Introduction, www.acgih.org/tlv-bei-guidelines/tlv-chemical-substances-introduction.

[9] “Chemistry Dictionary.” Definition of reactivity – Chemistry Dictionary, www.chemicool.com/definition/reactivity.html.