Safety Data Sheets Available Online
Sigma-Aldrich
Searchable by name or product number
Vermont SIRI
Includes several manufacturers, MSDS's and links to others
Science Lab
List of more than 4,000 commonly used chemicals
More Information
Center for Disease Control (CDC) Prevention Guidelines
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
Labeling Info from MSDSonline
What is an SDS?
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide information about the identity, hazards, and advice on safety precautions for chemical products.
The SDS helps workers who handle hazardous chemicals to become familiar with the product and take precautions to protect themselves against any hazards that may associate with it.
How to Read an SDS
Information contained on an SDS is divided into the following 16 sections:
- Identification: Identifies the chemical and essential contact information of the supplier
- Hazard(s) identification: Identifies the hazards and warning information
- Composition/Information on Ingredients: Identifies ingredient(s) contained in the product, including impurities and stabilizing additives
- First-Aid Measures: Describes the initial care to an individual who has been exposed to the chemical. Also, a description of the most important symptoms or effects (acute and delayed).
- Fire-Fighting Measures: Recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical
- Accidental Release Measures: Recommendations on response to spills, leaks, or releases, including containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, properties, or the environment.
- Handling and Storage: Guides on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of the chemical
- Exposure Control/Personal Protection: Indicates exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure
- Physical and Chemical Properties: Identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture (i.e. appearance, odor, pH, density, solubility, etc.)
- Stability and Reactivity: Describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability information
- Toxicological Information: Identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates that such data are not available
Non-Mandatory Information
Ecological Information: Provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the chemical if it was released to the environment
Disposal Considerations: Guides on proper disposal practices, recycling or reclamation of the chemical or its container, and safe handling practices (may be referred to section 8).
Transport Information: Guides on classification information for shipping and transporting of hazardous chemicals by road, air, rail, or sea.
Regulatory Information: Identifies the safety, health, and environmental regulations specific for the product that is not indicated anywhere else on the SDS.
Other Information (includes date of preparation or last revision): Indicates SDS preparation or revision date and changes made or other information not included in other sections.