SDS vs. MSDS: What Are the Differences?

Irritation, sensitization, corrosion, and explosibility are just a few risks that chemical hazards and toxic substances pose to health and safety.

Since industries and individuals have to work with these materials in some instances, the provider must give safety information. An SDS and MSDS serve as basic information about materials, but how do they differ?

Keep reading to learn the differences between SDS vs. MSDS.

What Is the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?

To understand the differences between SDS vs. MSDS, you need to know what the globally harmonized system (GHS) is.

GHS is a system for harmonizing hazard communication and classification elements. It is a framework for guidance rather than a regulation.

The purpose to classify things under the GHS is to provide similar information to each person who uses the chemical. This enhances human health protection and the environment.

Countries have their own systems for chemical classification and hazard communication. Systems might look similar but the smallest differences can lead to inconsistencies in product classification.

Countries classify their information through MSDSs and SDSs.

SDS vs. MSDS

So, what is SDS exactly? SDS, aka Safety Data Sheet, lists information about the occupational health and safety of different products and substances.

What is MSDS, you ask? MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet. The main difference between the two is the name. MSDS are now called SDS.

You can use both to find more information on a product and figure out what to do if there is a spill or if a person has been exposed to a product.

The other big difference between the two is the verbiage. On MSDS, controlled products were a term that SDS now defines as hazardous products.

SDSs also have signal words that MSDSs don’t. A warning on an SDS means a less serious hazard. A more serious hazard is defined as danger.

Suppliers are responsible for classifying products, writing labels, and sending them with products during the time of sale.

Hazard Classification

On an SDS, hazard classifications for a product are broken down into three categories:

1. Physical Hazard Classes
2. Health Hazard Classes
3. Environmental Hazard Classes

From there, the three categories are further split into different sections.

MSDSs had nine sections that vary based on information and structure. Now, SDSs have 16 sections that use the two signal words discussed above.

You can find a quality online MSDS management provider to help create these sheets.

Some of the sections in SDSs include product identification, hazard identification, first aid measures, handling and storage, and toxicological information.

MSDS and SDS Explained

In this SDS and MSDS guide, we’ve uncovered the little differences between both datasheets.

The GHS requires that each country follows certain safety requirements for classifying and labeling hazardous chemicals. This is where data sheets come in.

When it comes to SDS vs. MSDS, the main differences are the use of SDS over MSDS, the new signal words, and the number of informational sections. Anyone using hazardous materials can benefit from both.

For more informative articles like this, check out the other posts on our website.