HOW TO READ A WHMIS SAFETY DATA SHEET
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305-BST-01-IMDO © 2024, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
Why Should You Read a SDS?
You can learn the following from a SDS:
Physical hazards (e.g. flammable) and health effects (e.g. cancer causing) of the product.
Precautions you must take before working with the product.
Measures that must be taken in the event of an emergency (e.g. first aid, spill, etc.).
What Can I Do If a SDS is "Vague"?
The quality and quantity of information in a SDS can sometimes vary from manufacturer to
manufacturer. Never assume if a SDS is vague, that the product does not have any hazards associated
with it (this also includes products that do not have labels or SDSs).
If you have any doubts about the SDS you have received, you can do the following:
1. Contact the supplier/manufacturer. Section 1 of the SDS will have contact information.
– Suppliers are legally responsible for providing up to date information on SDSs.
2. Perform an Internet search of SDSs for the same product from alternative suppliers.
3. Consider the following information sources to compliment the information found in the SDS.
– Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
– Current occupational exposure limits for Ontario workplaces under Regulation 833
– NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (USA)
– National Library of Medicine – Pubchem (USA)
– CAMEO Chemicals National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] (USA)
– International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) – International Labour Organization (ILO)
– Occupational Chemical Database Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] (USA)
– Simple search for Chemicals – European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
4. Contact WSPS for guidance.
5. Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) and they
can connect with the supplier to enforce legal requirements.
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