What does “Safety data sheet” mean?
Short answer
A safety data sheet (SDS) is a 16-section document on a chemical's hazards and safe handling. Employers must keep one for each hazardous chemical they use.
Also known as: SDS, chemical safety data sheet, hazard communication SDS
The 16 sections
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)) requires the SDS to be in English and to have these sections in this order:
- Identification
- Hazard(s) identification
- Composition and ingredients
- First-aid measures
- Fire-fighting measures
- Accidental release measures
- Handling and storage
- Exposure controls and personal protection
- Physical and chemical properties
- Stability and reactivity
- Toxicological information
- Ecological information
- Disposal considerations
- Transport information
- Regulatory information
- Other information, including date of preparation or last revision
OSHA does not enforce sections 12 through 15, because those topics are outside its authority.
Employer duties
Employers must have an SDS in the workplace for each hazardous chemical they use, easy to reach on every shift. Manufacturers must add significant new hazard data to the SDS within three months, and send the updated SDS with the next shipment.
Example: a lab technician splashes a solvent. The incident record should name the product so responders can use Section 4 (first aid) and Section 8 (exposure controls) from its SDS.
Mix-up: the SDS is not the container label. The label gives short hazard warnings. The SDS gives full detail.
Frequently asked questions
How many sections does a safety data sheet have?
Sixteen, in a set order. OSHA does not enforce sections 12 to 15 (ecological, disposal, transport, regulatory). Section 16 holds other information, including the revision date.
Where must safety data sheets be kept?
In the workplace, for each hazardous chemical the employer uses, and easy to reach on every shift. Not only in an office employees cannot reach.
Who is responsible for writing the SDS?
The chemical maker or importer must get or write one for each hazardous chemical it makes or imports. Employers must get and keep the ones for products they buy.
Sources
Reviewed against the sources above on Oct 5, 2026. Rules change: confirm current requirements with the issuing body or your counsel before relying on any summary.
Put the definition to work.
IncidentKit turns these terms into workflow: reports, investigations, corrective actions and packets.