Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

What is a Safety Data Sheet?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), previously called a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a document that provides information on the properties of hazardous chemicals and how they affect health and safety in the workplace. For example an SDS includes information on:

• the identity of the chemical,
• health and physicochemical hazards,
• safe handling and storage procedures,
• emergency procedures, and
• disposal considerations.

The SDS should always be referred to when assessing risks in the workplace.

 

Where can I get Safety Data Sheets from?

When you purchase hazardous chemicals, the suppliers must supply you with a copy of the Safety Data Sheets for the chemicals purchased.
If you are unsure then ask the supplier if the substance is “Hazardous”.

If the substance is “Hazardous”, then  the suppliers must supply you with a safety data sheets with the purchase.
You can also download Safety Data Sheets from the internet.

Just search for the substance  name and SDS.

e.g. search for “Unleaded petrol sds” (without the quotes) and you should see a number results.

Download the SDS in .pdf format ready to print and keep in your WHS folder in your vehicle.
You can also upload the SDS into SiteBook for online access with your tablet device.

What do I do with Safety Data Sheets?

If you use or have and Hazardous Chemicals, then you must have the related SDS with you on site.
We recommend that you keep the SDS’s in your WHS folder in your vehicle.