Employers
Must obtain an SDS for every hazardous substance used at work, carry out a COSHH risk assessment using that information, and make the SDS available to every employee who uses the product.
Reading a Safety Data Sheet — Module 1: What is a Safety Data Sheet?
Module 1 of 3
Reading a Safety Data Sheet · Module 1
What is a Safety Data Sheet?
The document behind every hazardous product on your trolley: what it is, who has to provide it, and when you need to read it.
- Free taster
- Module 1 of 3
- About 5 minutes
Free taster micro-course. This is a short introduction to the topic, not full professional training. For in-depth courses with assessments and certificates, see the CCMTec® Academy.
What you'll learn in this module
- What a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is and what it contains
- Who is legally required to provide an SDS
- When and why you will need to refer to one
- Your employer's duties around SDS access
What is a Safety Data Sheet?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), sometimes still called a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a standard document giving detailed information about a chemical product. Every hazardous chemical product supplied for professional use should come with one.
SDS documents are provided by the manufacturer or supplier and must follow the format set out in UK REACH. Hazards are classified and labelled under GB CLP, the UK's version of the EU CLP Regulation. Employers then use the SDS to carry out their risk assessment under the COSHH Regulations 2002.
Who needs to use an SDS?
Cleaning operatives
Must know where to find the SDS for every product they use, understand the key hazard and first aid information, and follow the safe handling and PPE guidance it gives.
When will you need an SDS?
Check the SDS:
- When using a chemical product for the first time
- When a spillage or accident happens
- When a colleague or member of the public is exposed to a chemical
- When disposing of a chemical product or its container
- When carrying out or reviewing a COSHH risk assessment
Where are SDS documents kept?
Your employer must make SDS documents readily available to you, either in a folder on site or digitally.
Can't find the SDS? Stop and ask.
If you can't locate the SDS for a product you're about to use, speak to your supervisor before going ahead. You have the right to this information.
Want to go further?
Our full Academy courses cover topics like this in real depth, with practical guidance, assessments and certificates.
Explore full coursesDisclaimer: This micro-course is a general introduction to Safety Data Sheets and is not a substitute for full professional training or legal advice. Always follow your employer's procedures and current HSE and UK REACH guidance for your workplace.