Módulo 2.Medidas, prácticas y modelos de gestión y prevención de riesgos de enfermedades relacionadas con el trabajo en los sectores existentes y emergentes que utilizan sustancias y productos químicos peligrosos, incluidos los explosivos, peligrosos para el medio ambiente, tóxicos, cancerígenos, etc. /free/

Section 1: identification of the chemical / mixture and of the organisation. An important consideration in this section is making sure that the name of the chemical matches up with the label on the chemical container. Many chemicals have similar names but have different properties. This section will also identify relevant uses of the chemical. Section 1 of the SDS must include manufacturer/supplier contact information and an emergency contact number.

Section 2: hazard identification. This is one of the most important sections of the SDS for writing a hazardous chemical assessment. This section outlines the physical and health effects of the chemical. It will include any relevant hazard warning labels (please, refer to Figure 1 under “The classification of chemical hazards” lesson).

Section 3: composition / information in ingredients. This section provides information on the composition of the substance, including the percentages if its hazardous constituents. It does not give a full breakdown of all substances, but will include those that:

• contribute to the overall hazard classification;
• are present at concentrations above certain levels of concern;
• have indicative occupational exposure limit values (IOELVs).

Section 4: first aid measures. This section is useful to identify initial first aid treatment if a worker is exposed to a chemical. First aiders also need to be made aware of the information contained in an SDS to allow them to respond in the correct way in the case of an emergency.

Section 5: firefighting measures. Although not relevant to identifying the health hazards in a chemical, it is helpful in considering fire risk assessments, the storage of chemicals identified as flammable or explosive, and to identify any specific firefighting measures that may be required.

Section 6: accidental release measures. This section is helpful for identifying different work activities with chemicals, this may include cleaning activities for spillages for example.

Section 7: handling and storage. This section expands on previous information.

Section 8: exposure controls/personal protection. This section identifies if there are exposure standards, such as indicative occupational exposure limit values or biological limit values set for the chemical. In relation to personal protection, it may include detail on the types of personal protection that may be required.