Before you begin. This procedure is general reference information, not professional advice. Equipment varies by manufacturer, model, and year. Always follow the documentation supplied with your equipment — where it differs from this page, follow the manufacturer. Verify that you have the tools, the working conditions, and the ability to do this task safely. If anything is unclear, if the equipment is damaged, or if the task exceeds your experience, stop and use a qualified professional. You are responsible for your own safety and for the outcome. This site accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use of this information.
Specifications marked unverified could not be traced to a manufacturer source. Do not rely on them — obtain the value from your equipment documentation.
Summary
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a standardized document that manufacturers provide for chemical products. It tells you about hazards, safe handling, emergency first aid, and what to do in a spill or if someone is exposed. You can find one by checking the product label for manufacturer contact details, then searching their website or calling them directly. The SDS has 16 standard sections, and knowing which section answers which question is the key to using one correctly.
Necessary equipment
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Internet browser | To access the manufacturer's website and SDS repository |
| Product label or packaging material | Source of the manufacturer name and contact information |
Get the manufacturer contact information
Estimated 1 min
Review the product label before opening the container.
Hazard symbols and signal words appear on the label.
- Locate the product container or packaging.<1mReport a problem with step 1, Get the manufacturer contact information
- Read the label for the manufacturer or distributor name.<1mReport a problem with step 2, Get the manufacturer contact information
- Look for a phone number or website address on the label. Write it down.<1mReport a problem with step 3, Get the manufacturer contact information
Locate the safety data sheet
Estimated 10 min
- Go to the manufacturer's website.2mReport a problem with step 1, Locate the safety data sheet
- Search for SDS or Safety Data Sheet.1mReport a problem with step 2, Locate the safety data sheet
- Enter the product name or product code.1mReport a problem with step 3, Locate the safety data sheet
- Download or view the SDS.1mReport a problem with step 4, Locate the safety data sheet
- If no search tool is available, call the phone number on the label.5mReport a problem with step 5, Locate the safety data sheet
Understand the SDS sections
Estimated 4 min
If exposure occurs, read Section 4 of the SDS.
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
- Open the SDS document.<1mReport a problem with step 1, Understand the SDS sections
- Find the section that answers your question.1mReport a problem with step 2, Understand the SDS sections
- Read the entire section.2mReport a problem with step 3, Understand the SDS sections
Terminology
This page uses one term for each item and holds it throughout, as ASD-STE100 requires. Equipment sellers and other guides use the names below for the same parts.
- Safety Data Sheet
- Also called: no common alternatives
- Hazard
- Also called: no common alternatives
- First aid
- Also called: no common alternatives
- Poison Control
- Also called: no common alternatives
When to use a professional
Do not advise on product combinations. Do not guess which combinations are safe. Tell the person to read Sections 7 and 10 of the SDS. Tell them to call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Do not diagnose chemical exposure. Tell them to read Section 4 of the SDS and call Poison Control.
Common questions
What sections are most useful for household questions?
Section 2 (Hazard Identification) tells you the dangers. Section 4 (First-Aid Measures) tells you what to do if exposed. Section 6 (Accidental Release) tells you how to handle a spill. Section 7 (Handling and Storage) tells you safe use. Section 10 (Stability and Reactivity) tells you what not to mix it with.
Which sections should I read before mixing this product with another?
Read Section 7 (Handling and Storage) and Section 10 (Stability and Reactivity). Section 10 lists what must not be mixed with the product. Check both products' SDSs before combining anything. Call Poison Control if you are unsure.
What to do if I get this chemical on my skin or eyes?
Read Section 4: First-Aid Measures. Follow the instructions exactly. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if symptoms do not improve.
The label says MSDS, not SDS. Are they the same?
Yes. MSDS is the older name (Material Safety Data Sheet). SDS is the current name (Safety Data Sheet). Format and content are the same.
Can I call the manufacturer about the SDS?
Yes. The phone number is on the product label and in Section 1 of the SDS. Manufacturers answer questions about safe use and hazards.
Related procedures
Sources
Every specification on this page is traced to one of these sources. Tier 1 is a manufacturer document, a published standard, or a government safety authority. See Standards for the full tiering rule.
- Tier 1Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets
- Tier 11910.1200 - Hazard Communication.
- Tier 1Consumer product exemption under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS).
- Tier 1Electronic distribution of safety data sheets (SDSs) under the revised Hazard Communication standard
Revision history
Current version 1 · updated 2026-08-03 · next review due 2027-08-03
- v1 · 2026-08-03First publication.
Corrections to this page are listed in the public corrections log. Reports that are credible and not yet verified are listed in the public errata register, and an open one renders above the step it concerns.
Comments and corrections
Found an error? A correction with a manufacturer source is applied and logged publicly. You can also write to corrections@fixchecklist.com.
Every step above carries its own report control, which tags the report with that step so a correction reaches the right place. For anything about the procedure as a whole — the order of the sections, a step that is missing, something that did not match your equipment — use this: report something about this whole procedure.