Safety Data Sheets(SDS)
What is a Safety Data Sheet?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that provides important health, safety, and regulatory information about a hazardous product.
Previously, these documents were called Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The term Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is now used.
SDSs are provided by the manufacturer or supplier when a product is purchased and must contain accurate hazard information at the time of sale or import.
Before using any chemical or hazardous product for the first time, all employees and students should review its SDS.
Why are SDSs important?
Safety Data Sheets help you understand:
The hazards associated with a product
How to handle and store it safely
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required
What to do in case of spills, fires, or accidental exposure
First aid measures
Safe disposal methods
Information related to transport by ground, air or sea
What information is in an SDS?
Every SDS follows a standardized format and contains the following sections:
| Section heading | Description of contents |
|---|---|
| 1. Identification | Product name, supplier information |
| 2. Hazard identification | Hazard classification, label elements |
| 3. Composition / Information on ingredients | Chemical ingredients and concentrations, CAS number(s) |
| 4. First aid measures | What to do in case of exposure |
| 5. Firefighting measures | Fire hazards and extinguishing methods |
| 6. Accidental release measures | Spill response and clean-up instructions |
| 7. Handling and storage | Safe handling practices and storage requirements |
| 8. Exposure controls / Personal protection | Personal protective equipment requirements, engineering controls and exposure limits |
| 9. Physical and chemical properties | Physical state, colour, odour, melting point and freezing point, boiling point, flammability (LEL and UEL), flash point, etc. |
| 10. Stability and reactivity | Conditions to avoid and incompatible materials |
| 11. Toxicological information | Toxic effects, routes of exposure, symptoms |
| 12. Ecological information* | Effects if released into the environment |
| 13. Disposal considerations* | Do not use. Please refer to internal university disposal procedures |
| 14. Transport information* | UN number, shipping name, class(es), packing group (ground, sea or air) |
| 15. Regulatory information* | Regulations specific to the product |
| 16. Other information* | Date of the last revision |
* Headings of sections 12 to 15 required to be present, but under Canadian regulations, the supplier has the option not to provide information in these sections
Tip: Always carefully review Sections 2 (Hazards), 7 (Handling & Storage), and 8 (PPE) before using a product for the first time. These sections contain the most critical information for day-to-day safe use.
Accessing SDSs at Concordia
The University provides access to 3E, an online database containing millions of Safety Data Sheets.
Through 3E, employees and students can:
- Search for products by name or manufacturer
- Access the latest SDS versions
- Review chemical hazards before use
- Print or download copies for laboratory or work areas
The 3E SDS Database can be accessed from any onsite computer at the university connected to the Concordia domain.
How to Find an SDS
Step 1: Access Vertére, the University’s central chemical inventory webpage.
Do not log in to Vertere.
Step 2: Click on the 3E logo on the bottom right-hand corner.
A new window will open.
Step 3: Search by product name, manufacturer, or manufacturer part/product number.
Optionally, you can filter results by language.
Step 4: Select the correct SDS by clicking the page icon to the left of the Product Name.
Step 5: Download or print the SDS.
Step 6: Review the SDS before use.
Please consult the quick reference guide for further information: SDS Access Guide.
Important Reminder
Safety Data Sheets must be readily available in all areas where hazardous products are used. If your work area uses hazardous materials, ensure SDSs are accessible to all users and that staff and students know how to retrieve them.
Need Help?
If you need assistance finding an SDS or have questions about chemical safety, contact the Environmental Health & Safety team at ehs@concordia.ca or at 514-848-2424 extension 4877.