Daniel Burney, Regulatory Scientist and Safety Lead at MSL Solution Providers, reports.
In the cleaning sector, chemical safety is a daily responsibility. Whether using surface sanitisers, detergents, or disinfectants, it’s important to know what’s in each product and understand how to handle it safely. That’s where Safety Data Sheets come in.
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a comprehensive document that provides essential information on chemicals and finished products. It’s designed to safeguard users and the environment, outlining hazards, handling instructions, and emergency measures, acting as a user manual for chemical safety.
A cornerstone of compliance, SDSs are legally required for hazardous substances and often provided for non-hazardous products used in professional settings. They support COSHH obligations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), help teams assess risks, and ensure staff are trained to handle chemicals responsibly. They also provide clear guidance on handling, storage, and emergency measures in case of accident, including what to do in the event of a spill, exposure, or fire.
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals contains a standard specification for safety data sheets, with each section providing specific, actionable guidance to help teams stay safe and compliant. Internationally agreed, it typically has a 16 section format. These cover identification, hazards, composition, first aid, firefighting, accidental release, handling and storage, exposure controls, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicology, ecology, disposal, transport, regulations, and any other relevant information.
Authoring an SDS requires expertise and specialist knowledge – not just about the chemical itself, but also the technical detail behind the product and the wider implications of the statements within the document. Therefore, they are usually prepared by experts, such as toxicologists or professionals with relevant knowledge.
They can also be time-consuming to prepare and must be reviewed regularly to ensure they reflect the latest legal requirements. Updates must be made promptly when new data becomes available, whether that’s a change in formulation, hazard classification, or regulatory guidance.
Because of this, many cleaning brands and manufacturers choose to outsource the responsibility of preparing and maintaining these essential documents to specialist regulatory firms, like MSL Solution Providers. Such experts save valuable time, while providing reassurance that the SDS is compliant, technically sound, and up to date. They can also prepare multilingual versions and manage Poison Centre Notifications, easing the burden for busy teams and helping ensure chemical safety is built into every product.
Safety Data Sheets are a vital part of chemical safety in cleaning. When kept accurate and accessible, they support compliance, protect teams, and show that safety is taken seriously at every stage. See the full SDS section breakdown below.
GHS Safety Data Sheet sections
- Identification: Details about the substance or mixture, its uses, and the supplier.
- Hazards Identification: Classification of the substance, label elements, and other hazards.
- Composition/Ingredients: Information on individual substances and mixtures.
- First Aid Measures: Procedures, symptoms and any immediate medical attention or treatment required.
- Firefighting Measures: Extinguishing guidance, special hazards, and advice for firefighters.
- Accidental Release Measures: Precautions for handling spills or leaks.
- Handling and Storage: Safe handling practices and storage conditions.
- Exposure Controls/Personal Protection: Measures to protect workers.
- Physical and Chemical Properties: Properties of the substance.
- Stability and Reactivity: Information on stability and potential reactions.
- Toxicological Information: Health effects and exposure limits.
- Ecological Information: Environmental impact.
- Disposal Considerations: Proper disposal methods.
- Transport Information: Guidance for safe transportation.
- Regulatory Information: Relevant regulations and restrictions.
- Other Information: Any additional details not covered in previous sections.
