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Safety Data Sheets (SDS) - Advice & Resources

Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets are one of the key tools in hazard communication. A good Safety Data Sheet provides the user with the information he needs to carry out a suitable risk assessment for his application. One of the key aims of the Chemical Hazards Communication Society is to promote better Safety Data Sheets.

Introduction

Numerous studies, including one carried out by the Chemical Hazards Communication Society, have shown considerable levels of inaccuracies in Safety Data Sheets. This is of great concern to the enforcing authorities, such as the UK Health and Safety Executive.

The Chemical Hazards Communication Society provides a number of services and resources to assist members in the provision of better Safety Data Sheets. This page lists these services and resources.

Compiler Competence

The legislation requires that the compiler of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) be competent. The requirement is explained in our Safety Data Sheet's frequently asked questions page.

Safety Data Sheet Training

CHCS run a modular course for Safety Data Sheet writers which covers all sections of the Safety Data Sheet and issues related to their production. For more information please visit: Safety Data Sheet Training.

Safety Data Sheets - FAQ

The Chemical Hazards Communications Society Safety Data Sheet's frequently asked questions.

Email Questions Forum

An Email forum where members can ask questions related to any aspect of Chemical Hazard Communication, including anything to do with Safety Data Sheets. For more information visit our Email Forum page.

Safety Data Sheets - Glossary

The Members Only section of this site also contains a Glossary explaining many of the terms frequently found in Chemical Hazard Documentation, including explanations of terms relating to Safety Data Sheets. View and search the CHCS Glossary / Acronyms List (CHCS Members Only).

Safety Data Sheets User Guide

The CHCS Safety Data Sheet User Guide was last updated and republished in January 2023. Click on this link to download the Guide as a PDF: Safety Data Sheets User Guide.




CHCS News

CHCS' September 2025 Newsletter is now available, containing several important updates on the many recent changes to the regulation framework. See CHCS September 2025 Newsletter [Posted on 16 September 2025]

CHCS 31st AGM and 14th Annual Lectures
CHCS are delighted to announce the CHCS 31st AGM and 14th Annual Lectures will take place online on Tuesday 18th November 2025. CHCS members can find out more information and register for the AGM on the Events page of the website. [Posted on 11 September 25]

Update on the Annulment of the Classification of Titanium Dioxide in the EU
Some good news on the regulatory front, with news of updates to the ECHA website following the Court of Justice Decision to uphold the annulment of the classification of Titanium Dioxide in the EU. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 8 September 2025]

CHCS Webinar: EU CLP - All Change 2025, Part II
CHCS have now published the recording from the EU CLP - All Change 2025, Part II Webinar. CHCS members can access this on the Past Events page of the website.  [Posted on 18 September 25]

DEFRA Consultation on Extending the UK REACH Transitional Registration Submission Deadlines (closes 8th September)
DEFRA is seeking views from stakeholders on the government’s proposals to extend the UK REACH transitional registration submission deadlines. The existing deadlines are October 2026, October 2028 and October 2030. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 9 July 2025]

European Commission update on the simplification of CLP, Cosmetics and Fertilisers Regulations
This morning, CHCS posted a news item on the topic of the enforcement approach to be taken by the Health and Safety Executive, on changes resulting from revisions to the European Union (EU) CLP Regulation covering trade between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI). CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 9 July 2025]

23rd ATP to CLP published
The 23rd Adaptation to Technical Progress (ATP) to the Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP) has been published. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 26 June 2025]

HSE public consultation: chemicals legislative reform – BPR, CLP and PIC
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a public consultation on chemicals legislative reform, with proposals for changes to HSE-led chemical policy. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 23 June 2025]

CHCS Webinar: Chemical Regulation, Latin America
CHCS have now published the slides and recording from the Chemical Regulation, Latin America Webinar. CHCS members can access this on the Past Events page of the website. [Posted on 6 June 25]

Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee seeks views on EU proposal to update legislation governing detergents and surfactants
The Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee (DSC) is seeking views from stakeholders on the Proposal for a Regulation on detergents and surfactants amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Regulation (EC) No. 648/2004. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 9 May 2025]

Drug precursors 4-piperidone and 1-boc-4-piperidone added to the list of scheduled substances
The European Commission has notified a draft Delegated Regulation to the World Trade Organisation, Technical Barriers to Trade Committee, updating Regulation (EC) No. 111/2005. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 11 April 2025]

Defra Call for comments: Draft Risk Profile of substances proposed as POPs
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is consulting on group of chemical substances proposed as persistent organic pollutant (POPs) to the United Nations, POPs Review Committee. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 7 April 2025]

Endocrine Disruptors - 1st CHCS Video

We have produced our first video for members: "Endocrine Disruptors", which is available to members free-of-charge.

This introductory video explains the various components of the human endocrine system and how they interact, to help understand the mechanisms of endocrine disruptors on human systems.

The video is just over 10 minutes long.

For access to the video, please visit: Endocrine Disruptors Video.

[Posted on 1 July 2019]

CHCS News Summary

  • Another turnaround on the classification of titanium dioxide (14 March 2025)

  • TSCA Inventory updated (11 March 2025)

  • European Commission publishes updated version of the unofficial consolidated text of the CLP Regulation (6 February 2025)

  • UK Government does not pull the Stormont Brake over the EU CLP Amendment (23 January 2025)

  • DEFRA launches Circular Economy Taskforce (14 January 2025)

  • Microplastics restriction: Consultation closing on the proposal for the implementation of the reporting requirements (13 January 2025)

                  CHCS Members can read these News items, and older posts, on the CHCS News Briefings page.

                  Next 3 CHCS Training Courses:

                  For a full list of our CHCS Training Courses, please visit our Training page. 

                  OTHER CHCS EVENTS

                  HOW TO JOIN CHCS

                  CHCS Membership is open to any person with an interest in chemical hazard communications. You can join by completing the simple on-line form at Join CHCS.

                  Contact CHCS

                  • General, membership, events, training, invoices, payments, etc. enquiries:

                    enquiries@chcs.org.uk, tel: + 44 (0) 333 210 2427

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