Safety Data Sheets
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides important health, safety and regulatory information about a hazardous product
How to find an SDS
Need to find a Safety Data Sheet? Concordia provides access to millions of SDSs through the 3E SDS database.
- Step 1: Access Vertére, the university’s central chemical inventory web page. Do not log in to Vertére.
- Step 2: Clck the 3E logo in the bottom right-hand corner. A new window will open.
- Step 3: Search by product name, manufacturer or manufacturer part or product number. You can optionally filter results by language.
- Step 4: Select the correct SDS by clicking on the page icon to the left of the product name.
- Step 5: Download of print the SDS.
- Step 6: Review the SDS before using the product.
Please consult the SDS Access Guide for further information.
What is a Safety Data Sheet?
A Safety Data Sheet 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 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 and 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.
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 and Safety team at ehs@concordia.ca or at 514-848-2424 ext. 4877.