Home › Guides

How to Read a Safety Data Sheet (SDS): The 16 Sections

A safety data sheet (SDS) is the chemical maker's information sheet for a hazardous chemical. Under OSHA's Hazard Communication standard, every SDS uses the same 16 sections in the same order, so once you know the layout you can find what you need fast. Sections 1 through 8 hold the information you need quickly, like hazards, first aid and protective equipment. This guide walks through each section and explains what your employer must do to keep SDSs available.

Updated October 14, 2026 · Checked against the official sources listed at the end

What an SDS is and who provides it

Chemical manufacturers and importers must obtain or develop an SDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers must have an SDS in the workplace for each hazardous chemical they use (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(1)).

OSHA's brief on SDSs says the information is largely the same as the older material safety data sheet (MSDS), but SDSs must use a consistent, user-friendly, 16-section format. The SDS must be in English, though it can be in other languages too. Minimum content for each section is in Appendix D of 1910.1200.

How the 16 sections are grouped

OSHA's brief splits the sections into groups. Sections 1 through 8 contain general information: identification, hazards, composition, safe handling and emergency control measures. OSHA says this should help people who need information quickly.

Sections 9 through 11 and 16 contain technical and scientific information. Sections 12 through 15 must be included to match the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS), but OSHA will not enforce their content because other agencies handle those subjects.

If the preparer finds no relevant information for a required item, the SDS must say so (1910.1200(g)(3)).

Sections 1 to 4: what it is and what to do first

Section 1, Identification: the product identifier used on the label, other names, recommended use and restrictions, and the supplier's name, address, phone number and emergency phone number.
Section 2, Hazard(s) identification: the hazard classification, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements, and any hazards not otherwise classified. This is the section to read first.
Section 3, Composition/information on ingredients: chemical names, common names, CAS numbers, and for mixtures the concentration of hazardous ingredients. Trade secret claims are noted here.
Section 4, First-aid measures: first aid by route of exposure (inhalation, skin, eyes, swallowing), the most important symptoms, and when immediate medical care is needed.

Sections 5 to 8: fire, spills, storage and protection

Section 5, Fire-fighting measures: which extinguishing equipment to use and which not to use, hazards from the chemical in a fire, and precautions for firefighters.
Section 6, Accidental release measures: spill and leak response, protective equipment, evacuation, containment and cleanup.
Section 7, Handling and storage: safe handling, hygiene practices, safe storage conditions and incompatible materials.
Section 8, Exposure controls/personal protection: exposure limits such as OSHA permissible exposure limits, engineering controls like ventilation, and the personal protective equipment to use, such as the type of glove material.

Sections 9 to 11: the technical data

Section 9, Physical and chemical properties: appearance, odor, pH, flash point, flammability limits, vapor pressure, solubility and similar data.
Section 10, Stability and reactivity: whether the chemical is stable, conditions to avoid, incompatible materials, and hazardous decomposition products.
Section 11, Toxicological information: likely routes of exposure, short- and long-term effects, symptoms, numerical toxicity measures, and whether the chemical is listed as a potential carcinogen.

Sections 12 to 16: environmental, disposal, transport, rules, revisions

Section 12, Ecological information (non-mandatory for OSHA).
Section 13, Disposal considerations (non-mandatory for OSHA).
Section 14, Transport information (non-mandatory for OSHA), such as the UN number and shipping name.
Section 15, Regulatory information (non-mandatory for OSHA).
Section 16, Other information: the date the SDS was prepared or last revised. Check it. An old SDS may not reflect new information.

A quick way to read an SDS

Match the product identifier in Section 1 to the label on the container.
Read Section 2 for the signal word ("Danger" or "Warning"), pictograms and hazard statements.
Check Section 8 for the PPE to wear before you use it.
Know where Section 4 (first aid), Section 5 (fire) and Section 6 (spills) are before you need them.
Look at Section 16 for the revision date.

What employers must do

The employer must keep copies of the required SDSs in the workplace and make sure they are readily accessible to employees in their work areas during each work shift (1910.1200(g)(8)). Electronic access is allowed as long as it doesn't create barriers to immediate access. OSHA's brief adds that a back-up should be available in case of a power outage or other emergency.

Employee training must cover the safety data sheet, including the order of information and how employees can get and use the hazard information (1910.1200(h)(3)(iv)). Training is due at initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced (1910.1200(h)(1)). The employer's own SDS file, chemical list and written program are site-specific, so only the employer can cover those. Our HazCom training guide explains the timing.

Pact's HazCom course

Pact sells the HazCom course for $24.95. HazCom is an online certification course from ProTrainings. Confirm with your program or clinical site that this course meets its requirements before you enroll. ProTrainings makes and runs the course, and Pact sells it and handles your order. OSHA says it does not approve, certify, or endorse individual trainers or training programs. Buyers must be 18 or older, and all sales are final.

Common questions

How many sections are on a safety data sheet?

Sixteen, in a set order, under OSHA's Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(2)).

Which SDS section lists the hazards?

Section 2, Hazard(s) identification. It has the classification, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms and precautionary statements.

Which section tells me what PPE to wear?

Section 8, Exposure controls/personal protection.

Does OSHA enforce all 16 sections?

No. Sections 12 through 15 must be included to match the GHS, but OSHA says it will not enforce their content because other agencies handle those subjects.

Can SDSs be kept on a computer?

Yes, as long as employees have immediate access with no barriers (1910.1200(g)(8)). OSHA's brief recommends a back-up for power outages and emergencies.

Is an SDS the same as an MSDS?

The information is largely the same, OSHA says, but SDSs use a consistent 16-section format.