# Safety data sheet

> 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.

Source: https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/safety-data-sheet · Updated Oct 5, 2026

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:

1. Identification
2. Hazard(s) identification
3. Composition and ingredients
4. First-aid measures
5. Fire-fighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls and personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. 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

- [29 CFR 1910.1200: Hazard Communication](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1910.1200)

## Related terms

- [Hierarchy of controls](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/hierarchy-of-controls)
- [OSHA recordable injury](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/osha-recordable)
- [First aid (OSHA recordkeeping)](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/first-aid)
- [Lockout/tagout](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/lockout-tagout)

## Related

- [Hazard communication 29 CFR 1910.1200: SDS, labels, training](https://incidentkit.ai/compliance/osha/hazard-communication)
- [Laboratory and pharma production incident reporting](https://incidentkit.ai/solutions/laboratories-and-pharma-production)
- [Process safety incident reporting and investigation](https://incidentkit.ai/solutions/chemical-and-process-industries)
- [Workplace Injury Reporting: Steps, Deadlines, Records](https://incidentkit.ai/use-cases/workplace-injury-reporting)
- [Near Miss Report Template (Free, Printable Form)](https://incidentkit.ai/templates/near-miss-report)