Difference Between SDS & MSDS | Chemscape Safety Technologies Inc.

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals also known as GHS is an internationally agreed-upon standard managed by the United Nations that was set up to replace the assortment of hazardous material classification and labelling schemes previously used around the world. It is the culmination of many years of discussion between governments and industries.

What is the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?

The GHS is a system for harmonizing hazard classification criteria and chemical hazard communication elements worldwide. The GHS is not a regulation; rather it is a framework or guidance for classifying and labeling hazardous chemicals. The purpose of classification under the GHS is to provide harmonized information to users of chemicals with the goal of enhancing the protection of human health and the environment.

Around the world, countries have regulatory systems for chemical classification and hazard communication. The systems may look similar, but their differences can lead to multiple interpretations and inconsistencies for classifications, labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the same product. Moving to one standard in the age of global trade simplifies regulations and improves the safety of workers who interact with chemical hazards.

When Did MSDS Become SDS?

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is now called an SDS (Safety Data Sheet). The transition from MSDS to SDS began in the early 2000s and has continued worldwide.

The purpose of both MSDS and SDS documents remains unchanged and is to list the information pertaining to the occupational health and safety for the various uses of the substances and products. MSDS and SDS are where you go if you need more information on the product and what to do if there is exposure to the product or a spill.

What is an MSDS vs SDS?

MSDS was the original system for providing information about the properties of chemical products. Whereas SDS is the updated system that conforms to GHS standards. In comparison to SDS, MSDS was less standardized and not globally recognized.

What is the Difference Between MSDS and SDS?

Since the shift from MSDS to SDS, the information and verbiage on the documents have changed. What was known as “controlled products" on the MSDS are now called "hazardous products" on the SDS. Suppliers are still responsible for classifying their products, writing labels, authoring SDSs, and sending these labels with the products at the time of sale.

SDS Signal Words

SDSs, unlike MSDSs, now have signal words, these include:
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• Warning - which means a less serious hazard
• Danger - which means a more serious hazard.

SDS Hazard Classifications

Hazard Classifications for the product on an SDS include:

1. Health Hazard Classes: these are based on the ability of the product to impact health such as eye irritation, respiratory sensitization, or carcinogenicity.

2. Physical Hazard Classes: these are based on the physical or chemical properties of a product such as reactivity, flammability, or corrosivity.

3. Environmental Hazard Classes: this classification is not mandatory under WHMIS 2015 but is based on things like aquatic toxicity.

These are broken down further into categories.

SDS Labelling Updates

The MSDS did not mandate specific labeling, while the SDS made it necessary for manufacturers and importers to include labels and precautionary statements. Under the new SDS requirements, labels must now include:

• A hazard statement for each hazard class and category
• A pictogram
• A signal word

How Many Sections Are in the MSDS vs the SDS?

MSDSs had 9 sections and they varied greatly in structure and information. SDSs now have a standard 16-section format with signal words (Warning or Danger), universally standardized hazard and precautionary statements, and hazard pictograms.

GHS Hazard Pictograms

Hazard pictograms are now red and white symbols or a Red Square tilted 45° on a point Pictogram.

Download GHS Pictogram Document >

Sections of Safety Data Sheets

The 16 Sections of an SDS include:

1: Product Identification 2: Hazard Identification 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients 4: First Aid Measures 5: Fire Fighting Measures 6: Accidental Release Measures 7: Handling and Storage 8: Exposure Controls and Personal Protection 9: Physical and Chemical Properties 10: Stability and Reactivity 11: Toxicological Information 12: Ecological Information 13: Disposal Considerations 14: Transport Information 15: Regulatory Information 16: Other Information

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SDS Section 1: Product Identification

The information in this section must be an exact match to the identification section on the supplier label. Here you will find the name of the product, the name of the manufacturer, the name of the supplier, plus their address and emergency phone numbers. In section 1 you will also find recommended uses and restrictions on use.

SDS Section 2: Hazard Identification

The information in this section is similar to what you find on a supplier label. Here you will find the hazard pictograms as well as the signal word ‘Danger’ or ‘Warning’ for the product. Danger represents a higher hazard than ‘Warning’. It also contains the hazard statements and the precautionary statements.

SDS Section 3: Composition / Information on Ingredients

This section gives details on the composition of the product and information on the ingredients. Chemical products can contain multiple ingredients. Section 3 names them and tells you the concentrations of each hazardous ingredient. It also lists the CAS Number for each of the ingredients. These numbers are used to research chemical properties. If there are any trade secrets for the product they will be listed here.

SDS Section 4: First Aid Measures

This section provides first aid measures for exposure to the product. You will learn what steps to take depending on how the person came into contact with the product. For example, was it inhaled or swallowed? Section 4 also lists symptoms of overexposure.

SDS Section 5: Fire Fighting Measures

This section is typically used by firefighters and emergency planners. It outlines appropriate firefighting techniques, the type of fire extinguishing materials that should be used in a fire, as well as the chemical hazards from the fire. Section 5 also outlines the type of protective equipment and any special precautions firefighters should take.

SDS Section 6: Accidental Release Measures

This section addresses accidental release measures such as the proper methods of containment and cleanup for a spill; what emergency procedure you should follow if you need to eliminate ignition sources; and the type of protective equipment required during cleanup.

SDS Section 7: Handling and Storage

This section gives instructions for safe handling and storage of the product. It identifies any incompatible materials.

SDS Section 8: Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

This section deals with exposure controls and personal protection for the product. It describes what PPE is needed to work safely with the product, as well as the engineering controls needed for safe use. Section 8 also gives you applicable exposure limits for the product; limits can vary by federal or provincial/state regulations.

SDS Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties

This section provides engineers, scientists and regulatory authorities with the complete technical description of the physical and chemical properties of the product. Is it a solid, liquid or gas? What is the colour? Does it have an odour? What is the boiling point, freezing point and flash point for the product? Is there an explosion potential for the product?

SDS Section 10: Stability and Reactivity

This section provides stability and reactivity details for the product. Is the product chemically stable? What materials could it react with that it should be kept away from? Does the product decompose into other hazardous products? What other conditions should be avoided?

SDS Section 11: Toxicological Information

This section is written for health professionals, describing short-term and long-term health effects. It explains how the product can enter your body, eyes, skin, ingestion and inhalation. It will tell you which internal organs are at risk if you use the product. It will tell you if the product can cause cancer and if it is toxic to reproductive systems, or if the product can lead to chronic long term respiratory or skin issues.

SDS Section 12: Ecological Information

This section tells you if the product is toxic to the air, soil or water. It will also tell you if the product is a short-term or long-term threat to the environment.

SDS Section 13: Disposal Considerations

This section tells you how to dispose of the product and its container. It describes any product residues and outlines any special handling procedures.

SDS Section 14: Transport Information

This section details how to ship the product safely. Regulatory information will be listed such as the UN Number for the product, the Proper Shipping Name, as well as the Transportation Hazard Classes. This will help you determine what hazard placards need to be displayed during transport. Any special transportation provisions will be listed such as packing group and bulk transport details.

SDS Section 15: Regulatory Information

This section lists any regulatory information for the product. If there are any additional local, provincial/state or federal regulations for health, safety, or the environment, it may be listed here.

SDS Section 16: Other Information

This section tells you who prepared the SDS and when it was written. It may include a glossary to explain any abbreviations in the SDS. It can also include other references and disclaimers.

Is the Personal Protective Equipment Recommended on the SDS Enough?

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The Difference Between MSDS & SDS