Safety Data Sheet management: the complete guide to SDS compliance and best practices

All you need to know about safety data sheets (SDS), the legislation and your lawful duties when handling hazardous substances.
Not Access To Qr Code For Accessing Safety Data Sheets
Back to all
Topic
May 17, 2023

Whether you oversee chemical safety at a single site or manage compliance across multiple locations, keeping safety data sheets (SDSs) accurate, accessible and up to date is critical. Effective safety data sheet management helps protect workers, supports regulatory compliance, and enables faster responses during incidents involving hazardous substances. 

This guide explains everything you need to know about safety data sheet management – from understanding what a safety data sheet is and how it supports compliance, to implementing best practices that reduce the administrative burden to improve workplace safety. 

You’ll learn: 

  • What safety data sheet management is  
  • What information is included in a safety data sheet  
  • The difference between SDSs and material safety data sheets (MSDSs)  
  • How SDSs support COSHH assessments and chemical risk assessments  
  • UK legislation governing SDSs  
  • Best practices for maintaining compliant safety data sheets  
  • How digital and AI-powered SDS management software can simplify compliance  

Get ready to build a safer, more efficient workplace. 

Safety Data Sheet management summary

This guide explains everything you need to know about safety data sheet management, including what a safety data sheet is, how SDSs support COSHH assessments, the 16 sections every SDS contains, and best practices for maintaining a compliant chemical management program. You’ll also learn how digital and AI-powered SDS management software can simplify document control, improve employee access and streamline compliance across multiple sites. 

At a glance: Safety Data Sheet management

Question Quick Answer

What is safety data sheet management?

The process of collecting, maintainingupdating and providing access to safety data sheets for every hazardous chemical used in your organisation. 

What is a safety data sheet (SDS)?

A standardised document that provides information about a chemical’s hazards, safe handling, storage, disposal and emergency response measures. 

Who provides safety data sheets?

The chemical manufacturer, importer or supplier. 

Who is responsible for managing SDSs?

Employers are responsible for ensuring workers have access to current SDSs and that chemicals are used safely. 

How many sections are included in an SDS?

Every compliant safety data sheet contains 16 standardized sections. 

Are SDSs required by law?

Yes. Hazardous chemicals supplied in the UK generally require an SDS under UK REACH and related legislation. 

Are SDSs and COSHH assessments the same?

No. An SDS provides hazard information supplied by the manufacturer, while a COSHH assessment evaluates how the chemical is used within your workplace. 

What is Safety Data Sheet management?

Safety data sheet management is the process of collecting, organising, reviewing, updating and maintaining safety data sheets (SDSs) for hazardous chemicals used in a workplace. It ensures employees can quickly access accurate chemical safety information whenever they need it, while helping organisations comply with regulations such as UK REACH, CLP and COSHH. 

Every organisation that manufactures, stores, transports or uses hazardous chemicals relies on safety data sheets to understand chemical hazards and implement appropriate control measures. However, simply storing SDSs in a folder or filing cabinet isn’t enough. 

An effective safety data sheet management process includes: 

  • Maintaining a complete inventory of hazardous chemicals  
  • Obtaining current SDSs directly from manufacturers or suppliers  
  • Tracking document revisions and updates  
  • Ensuring employees can quickly access SDSs during normal operations and emergencies  
  • Linking SDS information to COSHH assessments and chemical risk assessments  
  • Reviewing SDSs whenever products or regulations change  
  • Providing mobile access for employees working in the field  

Without an effective management system, organisations risk using outdated safety information, missing regulatory updates or delaying emergency response during chemical incidents. 

What is a Safety Data Sheet?

A safety data sheet (SDS) is a standardised document that communicates important health, safety, and environmental information about a hazardous chemical or mixture. 

Safety data sheets help employers, employees, emergency responders, and safety professionals understand the risks associated with a chemical and how to work with it safely. 

Each SDS provides detailed guidance on topics such as: 

  • Chemical identification  
  • Hazard classification  
  • Safe handling procedures  
  • Storage requirements  
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)  
  • Exposure controls  
  • First aid measures  
  • Firefighting procedures  
  • Spill response  
  • Transport requirements  
  • Disposal guidance  

Because every compliant safety data sheet follows the same internationally recognized 16-section format, workers can quickly locate critical information during routine work or emergency situations. 

Safety Data Sheets vs. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Pillar_SDS_Blog_close-up-on-SDS-document-paper.jpg?width=1200&height=902&name=Pillar_SDS_Blog_close-up-on-SDS-document-paper.jpg

Many people still use the term material safety data sheet (MSDS), but today the preferred term is safety data sheet (SDS). 

The terminology changed as countries adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), which standardized how chemical hazards are classified and communicated around the world. 

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Old terminology

Current terminology

Formats varied between suppliers

Standardised 16-section format

Inconsistent information

Globally harmonised structure

Common before GHS adoption

Required under modern regulations

Although “material safety data sheet” remains a common search term, most organisations and regulators now use “safety data sheet.” 

>> Go to the blog: SDS Checklist

The legal framework for Safety Data Sheet management

Effective safety data sheet management isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal requirement for organisations that manufacture, import, supply or use hazardous chemicals. 

Several regulations work together to ensure chemical hazards are communicated consistently and that workers have access to accurate safety information. Understanding how these regulations interact is essential for maintaining compliance and protecting your workforce. 

For organizations operating in the UK, the key regulations include: 

  • UK REACH – Governs when safety data sheets must be supplied and what information they must contain.  
  • CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) – Defines how chemicals are classified and labelled according to their hazards.  
  • GHS (Globally Harmonized System) – Provides the international framework that standardizes hazard communication across countries.  
  • COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations) – Requires employers to assess and control risks arising from hazardous substances in the workplace.  

Together, these frameworks create a complete system for communicating chemical hazards—from manufacturers producing an SDS to employers using that information to protect workers. 

How UK chemical safety regulations work together

Understanding the relationship between these regulations makes compliance much easier. 

Regulation Primary purpose Who it applies to

GHS

International standard for classifying and communicating chemical hazards

Countries adopting the framework

CLP

Implements GHS requirements for classification, labelling and packaging in the UK

Manufacturers, importers and suppliers

UK Reach

Specifies when safety data sheets are required and the information they must contain.

Manufacturers, suppliers, importers and downstream users

COSHH

Requires employers to assess and control workplace exposure to hazardous substances

Employers

Each regulation supports the others, making safety data sheets the foundation of effective chemical safety management. 

What is UK Reach?

UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) governs the supply of safety data sheets in Great Britain. 

Under UK REACH, suppliers must provide a compliant SDS for hazardous substances and mixtures supplied for professional or industrial use. They must also update the SDS whenever significant new information becomes available, such as revised hazard classifications, new toxicological data or regulatory changes. 

For employers, this means regularly reviewing safety data sheets to ensure they remain current and reflect the latest available information. 

What is CLP?

The Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation defines how chemical hazards are classified and communicated. 

CLP ensures that product labels, hazard pictograms, signal words and precautionary statements are presented in a standardized way. This consistency helps workers quickly recognize chemical hazards and ensures the information on a product label aligns with the accompanying safety data sheet. 

What is the Globally Harmonised System (GHS)?

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is the international framework that standardizes chemical hazard communication. 

By providing a common approach to hazard classification, labelling and the 16-section safety data sheet format, GHS makes it easier for organizations to understand and manage chemical risks, regardless of where products are sourced. 

How COSHH uses safety data sheets

A common misconception is that simply having a safety data sheet means an organization is compliant with COSHH. 

In reality, the SDS is the starting point—not the end point. 

The SDS provides information about a chemical’s hazards, exposure limits, safe handling, storage requirements and emergency measures. Employers must then use that information to complete a COSHH assessment, which considers how the substance is actually used in their workplace and identifies the controls needed to reduce risk. 

Safety Data Sheet vs. COSHH Assessment

Safety Data Sheet COSHH Assessment

Created by the manufacturer or supplier

Completed by the employer

Describes the chemical

Evaluates workplace use

Standardised for all users

Specific to your workplace

Explains hazards

Assesses risks

Includes handling and storage guidance

Identifies control measures

Supports compliance

Demonstrates compliance

Both documents are essential for effective chemical management, but they serve different purposes. 

Who is responsible for Safety Data Sheet management?

Effective safety data sheet management involves several different stakeholders, each with distinct responsibilities. 

Manufacturers and importers

Manufacturers and importers are responsible for: 

  • classifying hazardous chemicals  
  • preparing compliant safety data sheets  
  • updating SDSs when new information becomes available  
  • communicating revised SDSs to customers  

Employers

Employers carry the greatest ongoing responsibility once chemicals enter the workplace. 

They should: 

  • ensure every hazardous product has a current SDS  
  • make SDSs easily accessible to employees  
  • complete COSHH assessments  
  • train workers  
  • review SDS updates  
  • maintain document version control  

Employees

Employees should: 

  • know where SDSs are located  
  • understand how to interpret key sections  
  • follow the recommended control measures  
  • report missing or outdated documentation 

Quiz – How well do you know your safety data sheets?

Pillar_SDS_Pillar-Page_SDS-quiz-avatars.png?width=1200&height=902&name=Pillar_SDS_Pillar-Page_SDS-quiz-avatars.png

It’s time to test your SDS knowledge!

With 16 sections, learning to navigate your SDSs can seem like a daunting task. Take this interactive quiz to discover if you’re an SDS student, pro, or expert.

 >> Take our quiz: How well do you know your safety data sheets?

Common compliance mistakes

Pillar_SDS_Blog_chemical-label-with-GHS-hazard-pictograms-6

Even organisations with established safety programs can struggle to maintain effective safety data sheet management. 

Some of the most common issues include: 

  • Keeping outdated safety data sheets after suppliers release revised versions.  
  • Storing SDSs in multiple locations, making it difficult for employees to find the correct document.  
  • Failing to complete COSHH assessments for hazardous substances.  
  • Relying on paper records that aren’t accessible during emergencies.  
  • Purchasing chemicals before reviewing their hazards.  
  • Using SDSs intended for another country or region.  
  • Failing to train employees on how to interpret safety data sheets.  
  • Treating SDS management as a one-time administrative task rather than an ongoing compliance process.  

Avoiding these pitfalls can significantly improve both workplace safety and regulatory readiness. 

Not Access To Qr Code For Accessing Safety Data Sheets

Understanding the 16 sections of a safety data sheet

The majority of companies who buy and use chemicals will understand their legislative requirements to obtain and keep a safety data sheet for those products. However, many companiesdo not understand what they should do with the information provided in the SDSs. 

The safety data sheet as per the REACH Regulations and the GHS guidance must contain the following 16 sections: 

The 16 sections of an SDS at a glance

Section What you’ll find Why it matters

1

Identification

Confirms you’re using the correct product and supplier information. 

2

Hazard identification

Explains the chemical’s health physical and environmental hazards

3

Composition

Identifies hazardous ingredients and concentrations

4

First aid measures

Provides immediate treatment and guidance following exposure

5

Firefighting measures

Explains how to safely respond to fires involving the chemical

6

Accidental release measures

Details spill response and containment procedures

7

Handling and storage

Outlines safe handling practices and storage conditions

8

Exposure controls and PPE

Recommends engineering controls and personal protective equipment

9

Physical and chemical properties

Describes key physical characteristics of the substance. 

10

Stability and reactivity

Identifies incompatible substances and hazardous reactions. 

11

Toxicological information

Explains potential short and long term health effects

12

Ecological information

Describes environmental impacts if released

13

Disposal considerations

Recommends safe disposal methods

14

Transport information

Explains transport classifications and requirements

15

Regulatory information

Lists applicable regulations

16

Other information

Includes revision history and supporting information

 

Section 1: Identification of the substance or mixture and of the supplier

Section 1 of the SDS identifies the substance or mixture, so that there is no ambiguity about what the SDS applies to. It also mentions the name the product is known by on the market. 

Where the chemical is a toxic mixture, a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) will be included. If someone has to be referred for treatment for poisoning, it is essential that those treating the person have the UFI, not just the product or trade name. Alternatively, you might see a ‘CAS number’ – this is a reference to the Chemical Abstracts Service. 

Nanomaterials are chemical substances with very small particle sizes – something smaller than less than one-thousandth of the thickness of a sheet of paper. At this scale, substances behave differently, so manufacturers are now required to make it clear in this section of the SDS if the substance includes any nanomaterials, known as “nanoforms”. 

Section 1 should also include a description of the identified uses of the product. For example, whether it is intended for domestic, industrial or professional use. Specific tasks such as cleaning, painting or gardening might be mentioned. Any uses advised against should be listed, along with the reason for this advice. This section might reference section 16 for more information. 

The contact details of the supplier are included here, with a full address and telephone number.   

Example of Section 1 in an SDS: 

image

Section 2: Hazard Identification

Section 2 describes the physical, health and environmental hazards associated with using the chemical. The CLP Regulations in Europe require the following subsections: 

  • The hazard classification of the product 
  • Hazard pictogram 
  • Signal word 
  • Hazard statement(s) 
  • Precautionary statements 
  • Description of any hazards not otherwise classified 
  • Additional requirements as outlined by specific legislation 

Section 3: Composition and information on ingredients

Section three describes the chemical identity of the ingredients in the substance or mixture. This can include the formula, formula weight, concentration and CAS or Index Number. From 2021, this includes the specific concentration limit (SCL), the multiplication factor (M-factor) and the acute toxicity estimate (ATE) if applicable to the substance. 

If the chemical includes any nanoforms, additional information about the nanoforms must be included in this section. 

Section 4: First aid measures

Section 4 describes what should be done if someone is exposed to a substance. The information should be provided in a way that an untrained person can understand what they need to do, for example, move the person to fresh air, flush with water. This section will indicate where medical attention is needed and might provide additional information for medical professionals. 

Section 5: Firefighting measures

Section 5 describes the requirements for fighting a fire caused by the chemical, or near the chemical. For example, if there is a fire nearby which could otherwise be extinguished with water (such as a paper fire) this section will make it clear if water near the chemical could result in a flammable or toxic gas. 

This information might include protective equipment needed for firefighters, and other protective actions needed during a fire. 

Section 6: Accidental release measures

Section 6 describes what to do if there is a spill, leak or other release. This will include how to prevent the problem getting any worse, and how to clean up small or larger accidents. Protective clothing that should be worn during clean up will be listed, including any advice about clothing that wouldn’t be suitable because of possible reactions between the substance and the material of the clothing. 

The information is often divided into precautions for personal safety and for the environment. 

Section 7: Handling and storage

Here you’ll find special storage and usage requirements to avoid accidents and improve safety for people and the environment. Storage conditions might specify temperature, humidity or the need to keep chemicals separate for other types of chemicals. Usage includes how to pour, mix or decant a substance, and hygiene measures such as not eating in work areas and washing hands after use. 

Where the chemical has been provided for a specific purpose (for example, a product for cleaning an oven) the handling requirements should relate to that task. 

Section 8: Exposure controls and personal protection

This section provides occupational exposure limits (OELs ) or biological limit values if available. Some substances might have a Derived No Effect Level (DNEL) and Predicted No Effect Concentrations (PNEC). Where these are provided, you will also need to look at the exposure scenario provided by the supplier. 

Exposure controls can include engineering controls (such as local exhaust ventilation) and individual protection measures (such as personal protective equipment like goggles and gloves). 

Section 9: Physical and chemical properties

This section outlines the physical and chemical properties of the substance or mixture. For example, is the substance a solid, liquid or gas at room temperature and pressure? Any specific odours should be described, and the normal colour of the substance stated. Response to temperatures might be described if relevant, for example the flash point of a flammable liquid, or the softening temperature of a wax or paste. Response to impact or friction will be described if relevant. 

If the chemical contains a nanoform, this section will describe the characteristics of the nanoform, or refer to another section if it is described there 

Section 10: Stability and reactivity

Section 10 describes the hazardous reactions that might occur if the chemical is used under certain conditions, or if released into the environment. Information includes: 

  • Reactivity – under what conditions might the substance react in a hazardous way? How will it react? 
  • Chemical stability – does the chemical become unstable under expected storage conditions? 
  • Conditions to avoid – for example, related to temperature, pressure, ventilation, other substances, weather, sunlight, or vibration. 

This section might reference other sections (including Sections 2, 5, 6, 7 and 13). 

There can be some overlap between Section 9 and Section 10, but normally Section 9 contains measurable properties, while Section 10 provides qualitative descriptions of possible consequences. 

Section 11: Toxicological information

Section 11 contains a detailed description on how the material may harm or injure you. This  includes routes of exposure (absorption, inhalation, ingestion, injection), related symptoms, acute and chronic health effects and numerical measures of toxicity.  

Section 12: Ecological information

Section 12 describes the potential impact of the chemical if it were released into the environment. This includes short term effects and longer term effects (for example, where a substance persists after disposal, or breaks down into something more hazardous). 

Section 13: Disposal consideration

Section 13 explains how the chemical should be disposed of. This includes requirements to keep those handling the waste safe and to protect the environment from harm. You will need this section along with Section 8 to write procedures for disposing chemicals and any waste that might be contaminated with those chemicals.  

Section 14: Transport information

Section 14 provides information on any special requirements for transport. This will include a transport hazard class (eg explosive, flammable liquid, oxidising) where relevant. If the chemical should only be transported in specific packaging, this will be described. There might be specific requirements for transport by road, air, rail or water (by sea or inland waterway). 

Section 15: Regulatory information

Section 15 identifies any additional regulations not already covered elsewhere. For example, regulations on substances that deplete the ozone layer, on persistent organic pollutants or on detergents. Regulations related to the protection of particular workers might also be cited, for example laws on young workers or pregnant workers. 

If a chemical safety assessment has been carried out, this will be referenced here. 

Section 16: Other information

This section gives any other information relevant to the chemical eg training advice, full text of hazard statements, preparation or revisions of the SDS. 

Building an effective Safety Data Sheet management programme

Managing safety data sheets is about much more than maintaining a folder of documents. As organisations grow, so do the challenges of tracking hundreds—or even thousands—of chemicals across multiple suppliers, locations and regulatory requirements. 

A modern safety data sheet management programme should ensure that every hazardous chemical is supported by accurate, up-to-date information that employees can access whenever they need it. It should also integrate seamlessly with your broader chemical safety processes, including COSHH assessments, chemical inventories, employee training and incident response. 

What good safety data sheet management looks like

High-performing organizations treat SDS management as part of an integrated chemical safety program rather than a standalone administrative task. 

A mature program typically includes: 

  • A centralized chemical inventory  
  • Current SDSs for every hazardous chemical  
  • Version control and revision tracking  
  • Mobile access for employees  
  • Integration with COSHH assessments  
  • Regular supplier reviews  
  • Employee training  
  • Standardized processes across all locations  

Instead of reacting to missing documents during audits or incidents, these organizations proactively maintain accurate chemical information throughout the entire lifecycle of each product. 

>> Go to blog: Build a Safety Data Sheet Management Programme

10 best practices for better SDS management

EcoOnline has over 20 years’ experience working with over 6,000 clients. During this time, we have tried, tested and gathered extensive experience on the different methods of SDS management. This has allowed us to determine what the best tips to achieving a successful SDS management system are. 

The following steps have been identified as best practice for organisations: 

1. Have a chemical inventory

Keep an inventory of all chemical products on site including SDSs. This is simply a list of all chemical products on site that are manufactured, imported or used by the company. The inventory can be as simple or complex as you need, as long as some key information is included: 

  • Chemical name/ product name 
  • Supplier/manufacturers details. 
  • Identifier e.g. CAS Number. 

2. Record the correct hazard information

Incorrect or partial data collected for products can be a hindrance when it comes to actually sourcing your SDS. Manufacturer websites will often ask you for the exact product number or product grade in order to source the correct information. Any additional time spent on finding this information at the beginning of your process will save time later. 

3. Store safety data sheets centrally

While it is good practice to give individual business areas or departments responsibility for managing their own chemical product inventory, asking individual departments to update their own safety data sheet can result in a significant duplication of work where products or manufacturers are common across a number of departments. You can save a lot of time and resources by centralising the storage, updating and management of safety data sheets. 

4. Source safety data sheets from manufacturers

Even if you are sourcing your products from a wholesaler or 3rd party supplier, the product manufacturer is the only place to go to ensure you get the latest up to date product safety data sheet. 

When using a safety data sheet from any source other than the manufacturer, you are counting on that source having updated the SDS with the manufacturer before passing it onto you. 

5. Only contact manufacturer once

When contacting a manufacturer to source Safety Data Sheets, ensure you are asking them for all the documents you require at once. Having to go back to the same manufacturer numerous times for assorted products is a waste of resources. 

6. Record where SDSs are sourced

The most time-consuming part of sourcing safety data sheets is finding the right method of sourcing products from each individual manufacturer, whether this is an email address that queries must be sent to or a website with a login or even an old-fashioned phone number that connects you with the right person in the manufacturers EHS department. Whenever the correct route to safety data sheets for an individual manufacturer is identified, it should be recorded so that the next time someone in the organisation has to source an SDS from the same manufacturer, the information is available for them. 

7. SDSs should be dated and controlled under revisions control

Record the date from the SDS and the date it was acquired in your product inventory. You should have a written policy stating how often you will check for updates (for example, once a year). 

8. Train staff

Does your staff know what an SDS is? Employers should provide some basic awareness on this. For example, section 4 is First Aid; does your staff know this? If not, the safety data sheet will not be useful to employees using the chemicals. 

Staff might not need to read through the whole SDS if you have a method of providing them with the information they need to do their work safely. Typically, the SDS will be used to carry out a chemical risk assessment of a particular use of the chemical, and the controls needed will be incorporated into a method statement, procedure or training document. 

9. Go digital via a mobile app

A digital system will allow easy access for all employees. Ideally, this means having the system available in a mobile app and in a platform they can access even if they are offline. This will allow all employees to view the SDS on the go and in the field when they need it most – when coming in contact with harmful and hazardous chemicals on the job. 

10. Extract relevant information

Decide what key sections you need to extract data from in the SDS. This is time consuming but important. The key sections to extract data from are Section 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 14. This information will also assist you with the completion of your Chemical Risk Assessments

Valvoline Oil A/S is never going back to a paper system again

Valvoline Oil AS Case study

Before switching to a digital solution, the team at Valvoline Oil A/S were facing several problems with their manual SDS management system.

  • Distributing SDSs to their clients and keeping them updated was challenging
  • No overview of onsite chemical products
  • Managing paper SDSs was time consuming and difficult to track

Working with EcoOnline to implement a digital SDS management solution has changed Valvoline Oil A/S’ processes for the better. In addition to making distribution to clients easier, it ensures that their SDS are compliant and up-to-date.

>> Get the full story: Valvoline Oil

How AI is transforming safety data sheet management

Artificial intelligence is changing how organizations manage chemical information. 

Instead of manually reviewing every document, AI-powered systems can help safety teams work more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks and surfacing critical information faster. 

Potential applications include: 

  • Extracting key information from new SDSs  
  • Identifying duplicate chemicals  
  • Flagging outdated documents  
  • Highlighting regulatory changes  
  • Improving search across large SDS libraries  
  • Suggesting chemical substitutions based on hazard profiles  
  • Generating compliance reports  
  • Supporting multilingual document management  

While AI doesn’t replace safety professionals, it can significantly reduce administrative workload and allow teams to focus on risk reduction, employee engagement and continuous improvement. 

Why organisations choose EcoOnline for Safety Data Sheet management

Get A Safer Workplace When Safety Information Is Readily Available For Everyone

Managing safety data sheets shouldn’t consume valuable time that could be spent improving workplace safety. 

EcoOnline’s Chemical Management solution is designed to simplify the entire process—from sourcing and maintaining SDSs to supporting COSHH assessments, chemical inventories and regulatory compliance. 

Instead of manually requesting documents from suppliers, tracking revisions in spreadsheets or searching through paper binders, organizations can manage chemical information from a single, centralized platform. 

With EcoOnline organisations can:

  • Centralise safety data sheets across multiple locations  
  • Maintain a searchable chemical inventory  
  • Track SDS revisions and document history  
  • Improve employee access through desktop and mobile devices  
  • Support COSHH assessments with accurate hazard information  
  • Generate reports for audits and compliance activities  
  • Manage multilingual SDSs across international operations  
  • Standardize chemical management processes company-wide  

Whether your organisation manages 50 chemicals or 50,000, a centralised digital approach helps reduce administrative burden while improving visibility and control. 

👉 Learn more about our SDS software

Let’s talk SDS authoring

Pillar_SDS_Pillar-Page_featured-image-for-SDS-Authoring-Software-Almego.png?width=1200&height=766&name=Pillar_SDS_Pillar-Page_featured-image-for-SDS-Authoring-Software-Almego.png

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re officially an SDS expert and should know everything you need to in order to build an efficient chemical safety process. It takes an expert to offer SDS authoring services.

In these next few sections, we are going to take a closer look into the SDS authoring process and how SDS authoring software can seamlessly stay up to date in an ever-changing landscape of regulations and compliance.

How to write an SDS

Whether you are a chemicals manufacturer or distributor, you are responsible for creating its safety data sheet.

SDS authoring is a complex process that requires high attention to detail. In fact, it’s so complex some people wonder if you need to have a special certification to write an SDS. Sometimes it can be hard to know exactly the best way to start. Inside our blog post on the fundamentals of SDS authoring, you’ll find information on:

  • What your SDS should contain
  • Who is responsible for writing a chemical product’s SDS?
  • How to write a compliant SDS
  • What tools you can use to make the process easier

Keep reading to get step-by-step guidance on how to write an SDS.

15 important topics to evaluate before buying SDS authoring software

If SDS authoring is part of your job, you’ve probably started to wonder if there’s a better way. The problem is when you start to research, there is a myriad of SDS authoring software options available to you, so where do you begin?

Any software is an investment. You need to be able to present a clear case to your senior management team about the software you’ve chosen. And for something as integral to safety as your SDS, you need to be sure you’re making the right decision.

Take a look at this list of the most important things to consider when evaluating an SDS authoring solution.

Some of the things you should be looking for in SDS authoring software are:

  • Automation abilities: How easy will this software be for you AND your team members to use?
  • Languages: Are the languages available cover your current markets AND the markets you hope to reach in the future?
  • Legislation updates: Will the software automatically update in line with legislation changes?
  • System integration: Does this software integrate with your current system AND can you migrate data from one system to another?

Of course, price is another big component of the decision process. You need to make sure you’re choosing software that has competitive pricing but also delivers on its promises.

Webinar: Best practice advice on Safety Data Sheet Authoring

Pillar_SDS_Pillar-Page_Thumbnail-image-webinar-Best-practice-advice-SDS-authoring.png?width=1200&height=675&name=Pillar_SDS_Pillar-Page_Thumbnail-image-webinar-Best-practice-advice-SDS-authoring.png

Now that you have a firm grasp on what to look for when you’re evaluating SDS authoring software, are you ready to bring your organisations SDS authoring to the next level?

Get access to a great webinar, ‘Best practice advice on safety data sheet authoring’ where EcoOnline Consulting Manager Sarah Ingle and Solutions Consultant Jack Cleaver took a closer look at some of the most common pitfalls in SDS authoring and how to overcome them.

You can follow along in the blog as we discuss the 4 key tips from our webinar. You’ll also learn how to avoid some of the most common SDS authoring pitfalls.

>>Go to the blog: Safety Data Sheet Authoring Best Practice

ALMEGO – SDS Authoring Software

Significantly improve the creation of your safety data sheets with ALMEGO

Pillar_SDS_Pillar-Page_Almego-logo-on-background.png?width=1200&height=702&name=Pillar_SDS_Pillar-Page_Almego-logo-on-background.png

ALMEGO is a new generation of SDS authoring software. Used across the world in over 50 countries, ALMEGO is rule-based intelligent authoring that generates sections automatically while taking local legislation and the appropriate GHS version into account.

When you choose ALMEGO you get access to state-of-the-art API and Webhooks with data migration and integration. The dashboard makes this software easy to use and follow along in the process.

“The user-friendly software allows my team the time to work on other tasks while still completing their assigned duties on any given day”

  • Mark Cuban, Cost Plus Drug Company, Vice President of Quality and Safety

Explore our SDS authoring software