Standard Operating Procedure for Preparing and Using Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to outline procedures for preparing, maintaining, and using Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous materials to ensure compliance with safety regulations and protect personnel from chemical hazards.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the preparation, handling, and referencing of Safety Data Sheets for hazardous materials within the facility, including laboratories, production units, and warehouses.

3) Responsibilities

• Supervisors: Ensure the availability, accuracy, and accessibility of SDS for all hazardous chemicals.
• Safety Officers: Prepare, review, and update SDS in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Operators/Employees: Use SDS to understand hazards, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures when handling hazardous chemicals.
• Procurement Team: Ensure SDS are obtained for all new chemicals purchased.

4) Procedure

4.1 Understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

1. Definition:

   Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are standardized documents that provide detailed information on the properties, hazards, handling, storage, and emergency measures for hazardous chemicals.

2. Regulatory Requirements:
   • Ensure SDS comply with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) or GHS (Globally Harmonized System).
   • Each SDS must contain 16 standardized sections as per GHS requirements.

4.2 Obtaining Safety Data Sheets

1. New Chemicals:
   1. Procurement must request SDS from the supplier or manufacturer when ordering new chemicals.
   2. Verify that the SDS meets the 16-section GHS format before acceptance.

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2. Existing Chemicals:
   1. Ensure all hazardous chemicals currently in use have an updated SDS.
   2. If SDS are missing or outdated, request updated versions from suppliers immediately.
3. Storage of SDS:
   1. Maintain printed SDS copies in a designated SDS binder accessible to all personnel in each work area.
   2. Ensure electronic SDS copies are stored in a shared, easily accessible location with proper backups.

4.3 Structure of Safety Data Sheets

Ensure all SDS are prepared in accordance with the 16-section format under GHS guidelines:

1. Section 1: Identification
   • Product identifier (chemical name, CAS number)
   • Supplier details (name, address, contact)
   • Recommended uses and restrictions

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2. Section 2: Hazard Identification
   • GHS classification of hazards
   • Hazard statements, precautionary statements, and pictograms
3. Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients
   • List of hazardous ingredients with CAS numbers
   • Concentration percentages
4. Section 4: First-Aid Measures
   • Emergency procedures for skin, eye, inhalation, and ingestion exposure
5. Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures
   • Suitable extinguishing media
   • Special protective equipment for firefighters
6. Section 6: Accidental Release Measures
   • Procedures for containment, cleanup, and environmental precautions
7. Section 7: Handling and Storage
   • Safe handling guidelines and storage requirements
8. Section 8: Exposure Controls/PPE
   • Exposure limits (OSHA, ACGIH)
   • Required PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators)
9. Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
   • Appearance, odor, pH, boiling point, etc.
10. Section 10: Stability and Reactivity
    • Reactivity hazards and incompatible materials
11. Section 11: Toxicological Information
    • Health effects, exposure symptoms, and toxicity data
12. Section 12-16: Environmental, disposal, transport, and regulatory information.

4.4 Using Safety Data Sheets

1. Employee Training:
   1. Train all personnel on how to locate, read, and use SDS effectively.
   2. Provide refresher training annually and after introducing new chemicals.

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2. Referencing SDS Before Tasks:
   1. Before handling any hazardous chemical, employees must:
      • Read Sections 2 (Hazards), 8 (PPE), and 4 (First Aid) of the SDS.
      • Follow recommended control measures and PPE usage.
   2. Review disposal instructions in Section 13 before chemical waste handling.
3. Emergency Situations:
   1. Use SDS during spills, leaks, or exposures to guide immediate response actions.
   2. Provide SDS to emergency responders for effective hazard mitigation.

4.5 SDS Review and Updates

1. Review SDS annually or whenever new information is provided by the manufacturer.
2. Update SDS to reflect changes in chemical composition, usage, or regulations.
3. Replace outdated versions and ensure personnel are notified of changes.

5) Abbreviations, if any

• SDS: Safety Data Sheet
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
• GHS: Globally Harmonized System

6) Documents, if any

• SDS Checklist for New Chemicals
• SDS Access Log
• Employee Training Records

7) Reference, if any

• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
• Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: SDS Checklist for New Chemicals

 
 
 
Chemical Name
 
SDS Received (Yes/No)
 
Date of SDS
 
Reviewed By
 
Comments
 
 
 
Chemical A
 
Yes
 
DD/MM/YYYY
 
Safety Officer
 
Approved
 
 
 

Template 2: SDS Access Log

 
 
 
Date
 
Chemical Name
 
Accessed By
 
Purpose
 
Comments
 
 
 
DD/MM/YYYY
 
Chemical A
 
John Doe
 
Spill Response
 
Reviewed SDS for cleanup