A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly known as a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a standardised document that provides detailed information about hazardous chemicals and substances. It's a critical workplace safety document required under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation.
Key Fact
Under Australian WHS Regulations, employers must maintain current SDS documents (less than 5 years old) for every hazardous chemical in the workplace and ensure they're readily accessible to workers.
The 16 Sections of an SDS
Safety Data Sheets follow an internationally standardised format known as the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Every SDS contains 16 sections in a specific order:
Identification
Product identifier, manufacturer details, recommended use, and emergency contact information.
Hazard Identification
GHS classification, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements.
Composition/Ingredients
Chemical identity, common names, CAS numbers, and concentration of hazardous components.
First Aid Measures
Description of necessary first aid by exposure route (inhalation, skin, eye, ingestion).
Fire Fighting Measures
Suitable extinguishing media, specific hazards, and protective equipment for firefighters.
Accidental Release
Personal precautions, emergency procedures, containment methods, and cleanup procedures.
Handling and Storage
Safe handling practices, conditions for safe storage, and incompatible materials.
Exposure Controls/PPE
Exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment requirements.
Physical/Chemical Properties
Appearance, odour, pH, melting point, boiling point, flash point, and other properties.
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical stability, conditions to avoid, incompatible materials, and hazardous decomposition.
Toxicological Information
Routes of exposure, acute toxicity data, chronic effects, and carcinogenicity information.
Ecological Information
Toxicity to aquatic life, persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and mobility in soil.
Disposal Considerations
Waste treatment methods, safe handling of contaminated packaging, and disposal regulations.
Transport Information
UN number, proper shipping name, transport hazard class, and packing group.
Regulatory Information
Safety, health and environmental regulations specific to the product and jurisdiction.
Other Information
Date of preparation or last revision, and any other relevant information.
SDS vs MSDS: What's the Difference?
Many people still use the terms interchangeably, but there are important distinctions:
| MSDS (Old Format) | SDS (Current Format) |
|---|---|
| 8-16 sections, varied order | Exactly 16 sections in standardised order |
| Country-specific formats | Internationally harmonised (GHS) |
| Varied hazard symbols | Standard GHS pictograms |
| Phased out in Australia | Required since 1 January 2017 |
Important
If you still have MSDS documents in your workplace, they should be replaced with current GHS-compliant SDS documents. Old MSDS formats are no longer compliant with Australian WHS regulations.
The 5-Year Rule
Under Australian WHS Regulations, a Safety Data Sheet must be dated within the last 5 years to be considered current. This requirement exists because:
- Product formulations may change over time
- New health hazards may be discovered
- Exposure limits may be revised based on new research
- Regulatory requirements may change
- Emergency procedures may be updated
Employers must ensure all SDS documents are reviewed and updated before they exceed 5 years from their issue date. This is one of the most common compliance failures found during WHS audits.
Where to Get SDS Documents
Safety Data Sheets can be obtained from several sources:
- Product manufacturers — Most manufacturers provide SDS documents on their websites or by request
- Product suppliers — Distributors are required to provide SDS documents with hazardous products
- Online databases — Services like ChemWatch, SafeWork Australia, and manufacturer portals
- MyHazMate — Our AI automatically searches and retrieves SDS documents for products you add
Who Needs Access to SDS Documents?
Under WHS legislation, the following people must have access to SDS documents:
- Workers who handle or may be exposed to hazardous chemicals
- Health and safety representatives
- Emergency responders (fire services, paramedics)
- WHS inspectors and auditors
- Medical professionals treating affected workers
Managing SDS Documents Effectively
Traditionally, businesses have managed SDS documents using:
- Physical binders kept on-site
- Spreadsheets tracking products and expiry dates
- Shared drives with PDF documents
- Paid subscription services
These methods are time-consuming, error-prone, and often result in compliance gaps. Modern solutions like MyHazMate automate the entire process — from finding SDS documents to tracking their expiry dates — ensuring you're always compliant.