GHS has harmonized the format and content of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). There are 16 sections in standard GHS safety data sheets (as shown below). GHS has also set the minimum info required for each section.
Includes all chemical product identifiers, supplier, manufacturer or distributor name and detailed contact information, recommended use, and restrictions on use, and emergency contact phone number.
Includes exact classification of the chemical substance, all hazards, and required GHS label elements including precautionary statements and pictograms.
includes all information on chemical ingredients and information on complex substances. If applicable, the Confidential Business Information rules take priority, and confidential information about the chemical product may be omitted.
Includes advice on first-aid measures and symptoms and effects of exposure to chemical (acute and delayed) and indication of need for immediate medical attention.
Includes the requirements for extinguishing a fire caused by the chemical substance and specific hazards arising from chemical fire.
Includes the emergency procedures needed to respond to spills or leaks of chemical product, environmental precautions, and proper methods of containment and cleanup.
Includes guidelines for safe handling practices of chemical substance and safe storage, including incompatibilities.
Includes “occupational exposure limits” of workplace, specific protection and prevention measures, and how to minimize exposure and risk.
Provides details on each property of the chemical material.
Provides all details in regards to chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions.
Primary used by medical, and health and safety professionals, this section includes all toxological health effects and all available data to support the information.
Includes the evaluation of the environmental impact of the chemical substance on the environment, if released.
Provides information on proper disposal of chemical substance including specific precautions.
Includes all classification information for the transporting or shipment of the chemical product.
Includes any additional regulatory information not found elsewhere in the SDS.
Includes the date of preparation or last revision, a key to all abbreviations or acronyms, and sources for data used to gather information for the SDS. When authorities adopt GHS for their own chemical hazard communication system, they often issue their own GHS regulations or GHS standards.