At Chemwatch, we are the world leaders in offering a customer-built SDS Chemical Management System (CMS). Our system is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, making it easy and efficient to manage your chemical inventory. With over 140 Million vendor SDS in our database, we provide comprehensive information on hazardous chemicals and their safe usage. Our database is updated daily, ensuring that all SDS information is accurate and up-to-date.
SDS Management is Essential for Workplace Safety
In 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) introduced the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), aligning with the Globally harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) to rename Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The GHS system is used globally, including the European Union, and the SDS format was standardized with a user-friendly 16-section format.
Purpose
Safety data sheets (SDS) are important documents that provide critical information about hazardous chemicals, their properties, and the measures that should be taken to ensure safe handling and use. They are an essential component of a company's chemical management program and are required by law in many countries.
Legal requirements
In the European Union, SDS are required under the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) regulation. In the United States, SDS are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS).
An SDS provides important information on hazardous chemicals and their potential risks, making it imperative for workplace safety. In Australia, it is a breach of workplace health and safety to not have SDS for any hazardous chemicals or materials used in the workplace. In the United States, it is a requirement set by OSHA that workplaces must have SDS readily available and accessible to employees working with hazardous materials.
Key information
An SDS should include information on the chemical identity, physical and chemical properties, fire and explosion hazards, health hazards, and safe handling and storage procedures. It should also include information on first-aid measures, spill and leak procedures, and the disposal of hazardous waste.
Format
SDS are standardized documents, and the format and content are defined by international and national regulations. In the EU, SDS must be provided in a standardized 16-section format, while in the US, SDS must follow a format established by OSHA.
Availability
SDS must be readily available to workers and other users of hazardous chemicals. In many countries, SDS must be kept on site and be easily accessible in case of an emergency.
What are the SDS format requirements?
An SDS is set up with a 16-section format, which aims to help the user of the chemical mitigate potential issues that may arise. These are the 16 sections that are covered:
Chemwatch's Three-Fold SDS Management Solution
Chemwatch's SDS management solution is a three-fold approach that makes it easy to manage your SDS. The solution consists of custom-built AI, SDS and registration team, and chemists who work behind the scenes.
The AI, Webster and Nettie, work together to find your SDSs and track changes from the original SDS to any updates. The SDS and registration team are responsible for maintaining our database by collecting the latest SDS information from chemical manufacturers and suppliers. The chemists author over 4,000 new SDS per month and are responsible for the creation of our advanced Chemwatch Gold SDS system.
With up to 60 key data points extracted from updated SDSs, our system allows you to generate risk assessments, secondary labels, standard operating procedures (SOPs), toxicity reports, and eco-toxicity reports. Our three-fold approach has been developed over many years and is now part of the gold standard offered by Chemwatch.
Choose Chemwatch for efficient and safe SDS management. Our system is easy to use and provides accurate and up-to-date information on hazardous chemicals. Contact us today to learn more about our SDS management services.
