The 16 SDS sections at a glance
1. Identification of the substance/mixture and the company
2. Hazards identification (GHS classification, pictograms, H/P phrases)
3. Composition/information on ingredients
4. First-aid measures
5. Fire-fighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls / personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information (change history, sources)
Which sections are important for the operating instruction?
For the operating instruction, sections 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 13 are central. The other sections contain background information not relevant for the employee at the workplace.
Section 2 supplies classification and labelling information. Check which hazard statements are relevant to the activity and explain them clearly in the operating instruction.
Section 4 contains first-aid measures for skin contact, eye contact, inhalation and ingestion. These belong in the OI section 'first aid'.
Section 8 lists personal protective equipment with concrete specifications (glove material, filter class). This belongs in the OI section 'protective measures'.
Common pitfalls when reading the SDS
Pitfall 1: Outdated SDS. SDS must be updated as soon as classification or composition changes. Pay attention to the creation or revision date (section 16).
Pitfall 2: SDS not in German. For substances placed on the market in Germany, the SDS must be in German (REACH Art. 31). Check the language and provision requirements with the supplier.
Pitfall 3: Imprecise PPE specifications. Some SDS only state 'wear protective gloves'. TRGS 555 requires concrete specifications (material, thickness, breakthrough time). If missing in the SDS, the manufacturer must be asked.
Understanding GHS classification
The GHS (Globally Harmonized System) is a UN system for uniform substance classification. Implemented in Europe via the CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008).
Section 2.1 identifies hazard classes and categories, such as Acute Tox. 3. Interpret the category within its particular hazard class; there is no single severity scale across all classes.
From the classification follow the GHS pictograms (GHS01–GHS09), the signal word (Danger for high categories, Warning for low) and the H/P phrases.
How MeineBA reads the SDS
MeineGBU uses information from the uploaded SDS to prepare an editable DOCX draft on MeineGBU. Check the extracted substance information against the current original and add workplace-specific information.
Compare the draft with the SDS and your activity. Resolve omissions and uncertainty before approving the instruction for use.
Your account and document creation are managed on MeineGBU. Its privacy information explains handling of uploads. Only upload information needed for the document.