Janitorial & Sanitation Reference Library · Wall Charts

SDS 16-Section Quick Reference

The 16 sections of a Safety Data Sheet in their required order, with the sections custodial staff use most for PPE, first aid, spills and storage.

Ref JS-020429 CFR 1910.1200(g)29 CFR 1910.1200 Appendix D

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the manufacturer's full hazard document for a chemical. OSHA requires the same 16 sections in the same order for every product, so staff can find information fast. The required content is in 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) and Appendix D. Employers must keep an SDS for each hazardous chemical and make it readily accessible to employees during each work shift.

How to use it

Find the SDS by the exact product name on the label.
Check Section 1 to confirm it is the right product and maker.
Go straight to the section you need using the chart below.
Check the revision date. Use the current sheet.

The 16 sections

No.	Section	What you find there	Use it for
1	Identification	Product name, maker, emergency phone, recommended use	Confirming the product
2	Hazard(s) identification	Signal word, pictograms, hazard statements	Quick hazard check
3	Composition / ingredients	Chemical names and concentration	Telling a doctor what was involved
4	First-aid measures	Eye, skin, inhalation and swallowing first aid	Exposure response
5	Fire-fighting measures	Extinguishing media, fire hazards	Fire planning
6	Accidental release measures	Spill cleanup and containment	Spills in the closet
7	Handling and storage	Safe handling, incompatible materials	Where to store it
8	Exposure controls / personal protection	Exposure limits, ventilation, PPE	Gloves, goggles, respirator
9	Physical and chemical properties	pH, flash point, appearance, odor	Surface and safety checks
10	Stability and reactivity	Conditions and materials to avoid	Mixing hazards
11	Toxicological information	Health effects and symptoms	Recognizing exposure
12	Ecological information	Environmental effects	Disposal planning
13	Disposal considerations	Disposal guidance	Waste handling
14	Transport information	Shipping classification	Shipping and receiving
15	Regulatory information	Other rules that apply	Compliance staff
16	Other information	Date of preparation or last revision	Checking the sheet is current

Key points

The four sections most used on the floor are 4 (first aid), 6 (spills), 7 (storage) and 8 (PPE).
Section 10 lists incompatible materials. Read it before storing products together.
OSHA does not enforce the content of Sections 12 through 15, but the headings must be present.
An SDS can be paper or electronic, as long as staff can reach it without barriers during the shift.
Diluted product in a secondary container is still covered by the concentrate's SDS.

Common mistakes

Keeping an old SDS after the maker has changed the formula.
Storing the SDS binder in a locked office the night crew cannot open.
Reading only Section 2 and missing the PPE in Section 8.
Not having an SDS for products a contractor brought on site.

Governing standards: 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) (safety data sheets); 29 CFR 1910.1200 Appendix D (SDS sections).

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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