Safety data sheet
A document providing information on the properties, hazards and safe handling of a chemical substance or mixture. The 16-section format is common across frameworks but the classification system differs between GB/Ireland and the US.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“safety data sheet”SDSClose equivalentRequired under the UK REACH Regulation and the CLP Regulation as retained in GB law. Suppliers must provide a safety data sheet for substances and mixtures classified as hazardous. The 16-section format follows Annex II of the UK REACH Regulation.
Irish HSA
“safety data sheet”SDSClose equivalentRequired under EU REACH Regulation (1907/2006) and CLP Regulation (1272/2008) as they apply in Ireland. Suppliers must provide a 16-section SDS for hazardous substances and mixtures.
US OSHA
“safety data sheet”SDSClose equivalentRequired under the HazCom Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). Chemical manufacturers and importers must prepare an SDS for each hazardous chemical. The US uses the GHS-aligned 16-section format.
Practitioner note: Classification differs between GB/Ireland and the US, so the same product can carry different hazard statements. The SDS informs the assessment; it is not the assessment.
Nearest equivalent in other frameworks
- →hazcom (US equivalent SDS system)