One of the components of the globally harmonized system (GHS) of classification and labelling of chemicals is called the safety data sheet (SDS). Globally, the GHS standardizes the requirements of classifying chemicals.
There are multiple usages of SDS. The safety data sheet is used as a source of information about hazards and to advise safety precautions. Safety datasheet also provide essential information to the emergency respondent, the transporter of chemicals among other people who handles the hazardous materials. some criteria are followed for a compound to have an SDS. First the compound must be hazardous to the people, animals and the environment. The chemicals besides must have SDS if its components are carcinogenic, very poisonous and affect the reproduction.
The SDS is related more to the product and not to the workplace. An employer is therefore supposed to design his/her program of ensuring employees are safe at the place of work.
SDS has many sections, but the following are the most important. Section one of the SDS is called the identification part. The identity of the product is explained here. Some of the info that you get here include the name, usage and the manufacturer of the products. If have any complaint, you can find the contact of the manufacturer here. The second important part in the SDS is the hazard identification part. All the hazards of the chemicals are contained on this sections. The part also explains all the precaution of the chemical.
Exposure and control is another crucial part of the SDS. This information is found on section 8 of the SDS. The limit at which you can expose yourself to the chemical is found in this section. In addition this part explains the control measures of the chemical. Before you embark on using the chemical, make sure that you go through this part. In case the product requires personal protective equipment (PPE) this part explain.
Another vital section in SDS is the physical and chemical properties. This parts, describe the physical properties of the products. A list of chemicals that are not compatible with the substances are described in this section. Finally, the fifteen part of the SDS includes the rules of the chemicals. All the regulation in the place where the user lives are listed here.
Today, because of technology, SDS is now in the computes. SDS application have been developed. The SDS apps are the fastest way to access and distribute SDS for chemicals. This application has combined technology with chemical data. From any place around the globe, you can download these apps. A scannable code is embedded on the chemical containers. These codes can be scanned by SDS application to generate the SDS. You get a paper that is the same as the hardcopy. Thes applications are available on the app store and the Google app store.