Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), also referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), are a core hazard-communication tool. They are intended to provide users with practical information to identify hazards and to apply adequate protective measures for handling, storing, and transporting chemicals.
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS or SDS)?
In the US, the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for hazardous chemicals. In many other regions, equivalent obligations apply under local adoption of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
An SDS contains 16 sections, typically including:
- The properties of each chemical
- The physical, health, and environmental hazards
- Protective measures
- Safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical
How to protect confidential business information in MSDSs?
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) enables competent authorities to implement provisions to protect confidential business information (CBI) in SDSs or on labels, provided such provisions do not compromise worker and consumer health and safety. In some regions, withholding CBI in SDSs or labels may require prior approval from local competent authorities.
This page summarizes disclosure principles and key references from major jurisdictions that have adopted GHS.
References:
About the United Nations Global Harmonized System UN GH
The UN GHS Purple Book is a guidance document published by the United Nations on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). It harmonizes hazard classification criteria and standardizes the content and format of chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets.
The United Nations developed the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to help protect people and the environment and to facilitate international trade.
The UN GHS also addresses how confidential business information can be protected while maintaining hazard communication. For primary source documents, see:
- PART 1 INTRODUCTION
- UN GHS Purple Book: Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Eighth revised edition
- ANNEX 4 GUIDANCE ON THE PREPARATION OF SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDS)
In practice, CBI claims are generally expected to be limited to chemical identities and concentration details, while hazard information and protective guidance must remain fully disclosed.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA in the USA
OSHA explains the purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and the importance of hazard disclosure in: The purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets.
About the disclosure of confidential information in MSDSs (or SDS´s) by OSHA in the USA
According to OSHA hazard communication standards, SDSs and labels must disclose the identity of hazardous ingredients above applicable concentration thresholds, and any ingredient that can be released at levels that exceed established exposure limits or could present a health risk.
See:
Chemical name, substance identification number, and exact weight percentage may be treated as trade secrets when the claim can be supported. Prior approval from OSHA is not required for such claims. However, hazards must be disclosed, and any withheld confidential business information must be indicated as trade secret in the SDS.
Summary
3Dresyns is committed to disclose the properties of its products; their physical, health, and environmental hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting to ensure appropriate safe handling and usage. 3Dresyns also provides the known health and safety precautionary statements and hazard communication elements (including pictograms when applicable) required for proper risk assessment, prevention, mitigation, and communication.
On the other hand, 3Dresyns cannot disclose chemical compositions since they have been withheld as trade secret to protect 3Dresyns intellectual property.