SDS Section 2: Hazard Identification | Safety Data Sheets Explained (2024)

Understanding SDS Section 2 will help you identify hazard symbols and meanings and enable you to take necessary precautions.

Are you trying to figure out how to best use Safety Data Sheets, but have more questions than answers? Well, you’re not alone. People frequently ask questions like...

  • How many sections are there in a safety data sheet? (And how do I use them to do my job effectively?)
  • What does a safety data sheet provide information on? (And what am I supposed to do with the information?)
  • And what does a safety data sheet contain that other employees need to know?

It’s easiest if you start by looking at one section at a time, so we’re going to dive into one of the most important parts of an SDS, Section 2. This section provides hazard identification via hazard symbols and meanings, displaying the information you need to have on the product label.

Most companies have processes to ensure they comply with local legislative requirements for the chemicals they buy. They ensure they obtain the proper safety data sheet for those products. But too often, they don’t have processes in place to help you understand how to use the information the SDS provides to help keep yourself and your co-workers safe.

SDS management software can help clarify data that’s essential to ensure employee protection.

SDS Section 2: Hazard Identification | Safety Data Sheets Explained (1)

SDS Section 2: Precautionary measures you should take to safely handle chemicals


Handling chemicals improperly could cause physical, health, and environmental hazards in your workplace. The hazard identification section of the SDS is usually the first item in Section 2. This information is essential for conducting risk assessments of your workers and the environment.

The regulatory body for SDS in the UK, is UK REACH. Supporting this, CLP regulations require distributors of chemicals to classify, label, and package their hazardous substances correctly. This divides SDS – Section 2 into further subsections. SDSs are required to include the following information.

  1. The hazard classification of the product.
  2. Signal word.
  3. Pictograms.
  4. Hazard statement(s).
  5. Precautionary statements.
  6. Additional requirements as outlined by specific legislation.

The hazard pictograms must appear as a diamond on the label and have a black symbol on a white background with a red frame.

SDS Section 2: Hazard Identification | Safety Data Sheets Explained (2)


The CLP Regulation introduce several different classification hazards under the groups; physical, health and environmental. These hazards can range from acute toxicity to environmental hazards to skin sensitisation. Although companies have some leeway about displaying this information, they cannot exclude it from their SDSs altogether.

EcoOnline can make your SDS easier to manage


Our system collects the information from Section 2 and displays the Hazard Pictograms and Codes in an easily understood product screen. You also have the power to complete risk assessments and pull reports on this information to keep track of your hazardous products without needing to update and keep track of an offline register. We also review the SDSs of your product annually, giving you the security of knowing that your SDSs are up to date and listing the current hazards for your products.

SDS Section 2: Hazard Identification | Safety Data Sheets Explained (3)

SDS Section 2: Hazard Identification | Safety Data Sheets Explained (2024)

FAQs

What is Section 2 of the Safety Data Sheet SDS? ›

Section 2, Hazard(s) identification includes all hazards regarding the chemical; required label elements. includes information on chemical ingredients; trade secret claims.

What information would you find in section 2 of Hazard Identification of a SDS? ›

Section 2 – Hazard(s) identification includes the hazards of the chemical and the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards.

What is the best explanation of a Safety Data Sheet SDS )? ›

A Safety Data Sheet (formerly called Material Safety Data Sheet) is a detailed informational document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical. It describes the physical and chemical properties of the product.

What are the three types of hazards in Section 2 of the SDS? ›

The CLP Regulation introduce several different classification hazards under the groups; physical, health and environmental. These hazards can range from acute toxicity to environmental hazards to skin sensitisation.

What is SDS Section 2 hazard classification? ›

When a hazardous product is classified as “Physical Hazards Not Otherwise Classified” or “Health Hazards Not Otherwise Classified” or both, the classifications must be disclosed within Section 2.

What is the purpose of Section 2 hazard Classification of the Safety Data Sheet to alert you to? ›

SDS Section #2 Hazard Identification

SDS section 2 alerts you to potential hazards related to the chemical on that specific SDS.

What are the signal words used in section 2 of the SDS hazards Identification? ›

There are only two words used as signal words, “Danger” and “Warning.” Within a specific hazard class, “Danger” is used for the more severe hazards and “Warning” is used for the less severe hazards.

What are 5 key things that an SDS tells you? ›

SDSs tell users what the hazards of the product are, how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, how to recognize symptoms of exposure, and what to do if emergencies occur.

What is the best explanation of a Safety Data Sheet SDS quizlet? ›

A document that contains info. on the potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity and environmental) and how to work safely with the chemical product.

What information does a Safety Data Sheet SDS give you about ____________? ›

The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.

Which statement best describes an SDS? ›

Final answer: An SDS is a technical bulletin containing information about a hazardous chemical, providing details about its properties, precautions for handling and storage, and emergency response procedures.

What are the 2 main categories of hazards and explain each category? ›

WHMIS applies to two major groups of hazards: physical, and health. Each hazard group includes hazard classes that have specific hazardous properties. Physical hazards group: based on the physical or chemical properties of the product – such as flammability, reactivity, or corrosivity to metals.

What type of hazard is 2? ›

Class 2 hazards are compressed gases, which are divided into four categories: flammable/combustible gases, non-flammable/non-poisonous gases, toxic/poisonous gases, and oxygen.

What is the difference between SDS and MSDS? ›

What is an MSDS vs SDS? MSDS was the original system for providing information about the properties of chemical products. Whereas SDS is the updated system that conforms to GHS standards. In comparison to SDS, MSDS was less standardized and not globally recognized.

What are the signal words for SDS Section 2? ›

There are only two words used as signal words, “Danger” and “Warning.” Within a specific hazard class, “Danger” is used for the more severe hazards and “Warning” is used for the less severe hazards.

What does Section 2 and 16 of Safety Data Sheets tell us? ›

In essence Section 2 covers the safety of the product (which might be a mixture of ingredients) as used and Section 16 will mention all of the components which may not pose a risk as they are in small concentration but it might be useful to know depending on what for or how you are using the product.

What is Section 2 of a Whmis 2015 compliant SDS? ›

Section 2 will summarize the hazards related to the product, precautions to take, and what to do in an emergency.

References

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