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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

New CHCS Webinar - EU CLP - EU Council and Parliament's proposed changes
CHCS are delighted to announce registration is now open for CHCS Webinar, EU CLP - EU Council and Parliament's proposed changes. CHCS members can register for the webinar on the Events page of the website. [Posted on 5 February 26]

CHCS' January 2026 Newsletter is now available, containing several important updates on the many recent changes to the regulation framework. See CHCS January 2026 Newsletter [Posted on 19 January 2026]

UK REACH Consultation outcome
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published the outcome of the consultation on extending the UK REACH transitional registration submission deadlines. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 30 December 2025]

Titanium Dioxide
On 10th December 2025, the European Commission has published a notice concerning the harmonised classification of titanium dioxide. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 11 December 2025]

EU CLP ‘Stop the Clock’ Regulation published
The so-called CLP ‘Stop the Clock’ regulation was published in the Official Journal on 26 November 2025. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 3 December 2025]

CHCS 31st AGM and 14th Annual Lectures - Recording & Slides
CHCS have now published the recording and slides from the 31st AGM and 14th Annual Lectures. CHCS members can access these on the Past Events page of the website. [Posted on 19 September 25]

DBT Survey Examining Regulatory Burdens for Businesses
On 21 October, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) launched a Call for Evidence, seeking to gain feedback on the regulatory burdens faced by businesses. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 18 November 2025]

Postponement of the UN GHS SCE meeting
The 49th Session of the UN GHS Sub-committee of Experts which was due to be held in Geneva in December 2025 has been postponed. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 14 November 2025]

CHCS Training Modules Spring 2026 - Registration Now Open
CHCS are delighted to announce registration is now open for the Spring 2026 CHCS Training Modules. More information and registration is available on the Training page of the website. [Posted on 14 November 25]

EU Council agrees position to simplify chemical regulations
On 5 November, the Council set its position on the Commission's proposal to simplify the requirements for chemical products, the so-called “Omnibus VI” package. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 7 November 2025]

EU Council approves CLP simplification proposal
A quick update from CHCS. The European Parliament has adopted the European Commission’s ‘Stop the Clock’ amendment to the European Union (EU) Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation, without any changes (23 October). CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 24 October 2025]

EU Council approves CLP simplification proposal
Representatives of the European Union (EU) Member States approved the EU Council position on one of the Commission proposals to simplify a suite of EU legislation. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 17 October 2025]

Commission adopts restriction of PFAS in firefighting foams
On 03 October, the European Commission formally adopted the restriction of use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in firefighting foams under the REACH Regulation, EC No 1907/2006 on the registration, evaluation, authorisation (and restriction) of chemicals. CHCS members can read more on our News Briefings page. [Posted on 14 October 2025]

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]

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

  • DEFRA Consultation on Extending the UK REACH Transitional Registration Submission Deadlines (9 July 2025)

  • European Commission update on the simplification of CLP, Cosmetics and Fertilisers Regulations (9 July 2025)

  • 23rd ATP to CLP published (26 June 2025)

  • HSE public consultation: chemicals legislative reform – BPR, CLP and PIC (23 June 2025)

  • Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee seeks views on EU proposal to update legislation governing detergents and surfactants (9 May 2025)

  • Drug precursors 4-piperidone and 1-boc-4-piperidone added to the list of scheduled substances (11 April 2025)

  • Defra Call for comments: Draft Risk Profile of substances proposed as POPs (7 April 2025)

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

  • TSCA Inventory updated (11 March 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

                  See full CHCS Contact Details.

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