A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the core of chemical safety and necessary for meeting regulations. It is a tool for workers to know the right handling of products and a way for companies to be in line with international standards. Nevertheless, creating an SDS is a demanding task that needs to be done with great care. A tiny error can cause a compliance loophole, hamper the shipment, or convey a danger to safety. Hence, a lot of businesses have decided to entrust their SDS requirements to a professional SDS Services in order to be error-free and to steer clear of any inconvenience.
In this blog, we will look at those errors that happen while making SDS and how to avoid them.
1. Wrong Hazard Classification
The identification of hazards should be based on confirmed experimental data. In case the toxic effects, inflammability, or any other characteristic is incorrectly classified, the SDS will show incorrect hazard statements, pictograms, or protective measures.
Such a situation has an impact not only on the safety of the workplace but also on the possibility of obtaining the necessary permits.
2. Copying Outdated SDS Content
There are several businesses that recycle their old templates or take supplier SDS files without checking their validity. Rules change very frequently. It is quite possible that an SDS which has not been updated according to GHS or local rules may be non-compliant.
Check that the data is always up to date with the latest requirements and the product composition.
3. Missing or Vague Concentration Information
It is the expectation of regulators that the concentration of each hazardous component is made clear. Providing only general or partial information results in the inability to safely evaluate the hazard. A specified percentage range facilitates accurate hazard classification as well as correct risk communication.
4. Incomplete Exposure and Control Information
Different countries can have different exposure limits. So, when businesses are exporting their products, they need to make sure that Section 8 of the SDS is updated with the local occupational exposure values that are relevant to the area.
Limiting exposure that is missing or incorrect can be a compliance risk as well as a risk of harm to the workers.
5. Label and SDS Mismatch
Details on a product label and a SDS must always be the same. Some of the divergences that are often found are:
- Incorrect signal word
- Harm or hazard pictograms absent or wrongly figured
- Different precautionary statements
- Errors in translation when selling worldwide
Regulators consider such inconsistencies as an indication that the company has inadequate compliance management.
6. Vague Safety Instructions
Providing directions for the safe use, storage, and disposal of a product should always be detailed. Broadly stating, for instance, that an appropriate PPE should be used or that a product should be handled carefully does not assist employees in figuring out the right action to take. Giving examples of what to do considerably raises the safety in the workplace and the number of accidents gets lower as a result.
7. Forgetting About Transport and Environmental Sections
Those sections about the ecological impact and transport classifications are frequently deprioritized. Nevertheless, if you do not provide the correct transport information, your shipment may be delayed or in case of an emergency, it may be incorrectly handled during the transport. These parts have to be filled with the accurate data taken from the regulations.
8. Failure to Update the SDS After Changing the Formula
Changes in the formulation, even if they are minor, may affect the hazard classification. SDS files have to be checked regularly in order to be up-to-date. Specialists advise a review of the documentation every 12 to 18 months to be sure that the company is always compliant with the latest regulations.
9. Not Considering Different SDS Requirements for Various Countries
Rules vary from one area to another. An international SDS is hardly ever sufficient for all the countries. Every market might need
- Area-wise exposure limits
- Different hazard phrases
- Specified layout formats
- Language of the locality
Compliance will be achieved only if these differences are taken into consideration.
10. Lack of Expert Review or Final Audit
An SDS is a combination of scientific data, legal aspects, safety and the proper way of presenting the document. If it is not backed up by an expert, then even a minor hole can be the reason for a huge problem with the regulations. An expert who is familiar with the field and the requirements acts as a safety net to confirm that the text is accurate and meets international standards.
How Sunstream Helps Companies Avoid SDS Errors
By working with Sunstream, entities can effectively develop, review, and renew SDS records in accordance with worldwide regulatory norms. Our crew guarantees
- Accurate hazard class and GHS label agreement
- Language SDS and location-specific
- Updates made at regular intervals from product changes
- Safety, storage, and disposal instructions that are easy to understand
- Quick service and complete trust in compliance
In addition, we provide support for other compliance processes, such as conflict mineral compliance that contribute to the creation of transparent and ethical supply chains.
Preparing an SDS is a task that demands exactness and a constant check on the regulations. A mistake of any kind can lead to a situation where the product will not be accepted, the safety of the workplace will be compromised, and the operations of the supply chain will be affected. By partnering with a reliable company like us, Sunstream is the best way to keep your SDS up to date, in line with the requirements, and able to be shared anywhere in the world with the help of professionals from SDS Services.
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