What is an SDS and why is it required?

Materials, substances and chemicals are traded in large quantities globally, and many may expose hazardous characteristics, such as physical, human health and/or environmental hazards. In order to establish a standardised hazard communication, the SDS has been developed and has been legally prescribed for hazardous substances in many countries. In South Africa, hazardous wastes must also carry an SDS, prepared in accordance with relevant South African standard.

Although, materials, wastes or substances may not be hazardous, however, the onus on providing proof thereof, lies with the manufacturer/seller/distributor.

ISC Consulting & Trading ensures that materials, wastes or substances are described unambiguously and that all 16 sections of the SDS are completed as required by the relevant standards. Where possible and required, care is taken in providing hazard information for down-stream users, such as recyclers, as well as the hazard at usage conditions versus storage conditions.

SDS Verification

The SDS verification starts with the confirmation of the ingredients into mixtures of substances or materials. The fact that a material being verified may be a singular substance, e.g. a compound, does not mean that it is a single substance. The material may have to be broken down into singular ingredient substances, which are traceable to chemical, physical and environmental hazard databases and regulatory information. The validity of the existing information is based on the derived traceable hazard information, as well as additional information provided by the Global Harmonised System (GHS), and information provided by the Customer and the Customer’s suppliers.

 Main activities

• • Checking the IUPAC and common names of the substance, mixture, waste and ingredients
  • Checking and modifying the hazard statements and pictograms where necessary
  • Ensuring the correctness of H and correct choice of P statements and adjusting the phrases accordingly
  • Check and complete the first aid components and fire-fighting procedures
  • Provide missing physical and chemical properties
  • Provide missing occupational exposure limits
  • Checking transport information (UN numbers, classes etc.)
  • Replace vague language and wrong statements with correct sentences

SDS Compilation

The SDS compilation begins with the analysis of the ingredients into mixtures of substances or materials. As stated in the verification process, the material or mixture may have to be broken down into singular ingredient substances, and traceable chemical, physical and environmental hazard and regulatory information be obtained. The standard of the SDS and product classification id the GHS as maintained by the South African standard SANS10234:2019. The application of different standards, such as EU standards may be requested.

Product Information

The specific composition of ingredients into materials and mixtures of substances will firstly be requested from the Customer and the Customer’s suppliers, as specific ingredients may be formulated differently from the standard materials. These facts must always be considered when formulating an SDS. Should such information not be available or insufficient, the available information will be augmented from traceable chemical, physical and environmental hazard databases and regulatory information for the relevant ingredient.

Product Classification

The final product/mixture/material classification is determined based on the hazards of the individual ingredients of the material, and where available, laboratory test data. All ingredients will generally be disclosed, with the exception where the Customer requires disclosure based on the country-specific standard. The chemicals required to be disclosed on the SDS are determined based on their individual hazard classes and categories, and precautionary statements are selected to be included in the SDS based on the material characteristics and GHS classification.

The different standards applied in SANS10234:2019 for RSA and Regulations EC/ 1907/2006 and EC/1272/2008, as amended, will be considered.

Translation of an SDS

The translation service offered, will not change the SDS in any manner. Although we will check the SDS for compliance, we will inform you of discrepancies. We will not correct the SDS without your directive, and will not take responsibility for any errors present in the SDS in the unaltered state. Additional fees will apply if the SDS requires alteration.

NEM:WA GNR635 Assessment

The assessment to NEM:WA GNR635 results in the allocation of a waste stream into a waste category, determining the type of landfill site to be used for the disposal of the specific waste stream. The inputs for the assessment are taken from the product information and safety data sheets available for the waste and the ingredients thereof. Should information not be available, or specific laboratory tests be required, the Customer would typically arrange for such tests to be performed. Guidance on test to be performed can be provided.