Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are required by the UK REACH Regulation.

SDS are important documents in the safe supply, handling and use of chemicals. They help ensure that those who use chemicals in the workplace use them safely without risk of harm to users or the environment.

The SDS will contain the information necessary to allow employers to do a risk assessment as required by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). The SDS itself is not an assessment. However, it will describe the hazards helping employers assess the probability of those hazards arising in the workplace.

SDS are a must if a chemical is hazardous and is being supplied for use at work, whether in packages or not. SDS are also needed if your chemical is not classified as hazardous but contains small amounts of a hazardous substance.

Questions about the compilation of safety data sheets should be made to the UK REACH Helpdesk [email protected].

Defra has the lead responsibility for UK REACH and the SDS requirements.