SDS (MSDS) Explained: What to Check Before You Order a Chemical

A safety data sheet (SDS) — still often called an MSDS — explains a chemical's hazards and how to handle, store, transport and dispose of it safely. Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) it follows the same 16-section layout for every product.

The 16 sections

#	Section	#	Section
1	Identification	9	Physical and chemical properties
2	Hazard identification	10	Stability and reactivity
3	Composition	11	Toxicological information
4	First-aid measures	12	Ecological information
5	Fire-fighting measures	13	Disposal
6	Accidental release measures	14	Transport information
7	Handling and storage	15	Regulatory information
8	Exposure controls / PPE	16	Other information

The sections to read first

• Section 2 – Hazards: the pictograms, signal word ("Danger" or "Warning") and hazard statements.
• Section 7 – Handling and storage: temperature, ventilation and what the product must be kept away from.
• Section 8 – Exposure controls / PPE: gloves, goggles, respirators and any workplace exposure limits.
• Section 9 – Properties: for solvents, the flash point decides how they must be stored.
• Section 10 – Stability and reactivity: incompatible materials. For example, acids must never be mixed with sodium hypochlorite — the reaction releases toxic chlorine gas.
• Section 14 – Transport: UN number, hazard class and packing group your transporter will need.

Good practice

• Ask for the SDS before the first order, not after delivery.
• Make sure it is product-specific and current — check the revision date.
• Keep copies where the product is stored and used, in a language your team understands.
• An SDS supports safe handling; it does not replace the regulations that apply at your site.

We provide the SDS for every product on request — see our Industrial Chemicals and Solvents, or contact us.