Why Safety Data Sheets are Important and How to Read Them

Why Safety Data Sheets are Important and How to Read Them



What Is an SDS?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) will provide info on materials regarding safety, reactivity, first-aid, and more so that you handle, process, and dispose of the material safety and according to all applicable guidance.

You should always consult the SDS and/or the manufacturer of the material if you are unsure about burning it with a laser.

Though social media and youtube have a wealth of great and accurate info, there is just as much misinformation so its best to go to the source here.

Also, keep in mind that injury, etc... from lasing materials that are dangerous can mean there is liability there, especially if best practices and due diligence were overlooked.

An SDS typically contains 16 sections of information:

  • Section 1: Identification - The name of the chemical product, its manufacturer, and other contact information.
  • Section 2: Hazard identification - The physical and health hazards of the chemical, including its flammability, toxicity, and reactivity.
  • Section 3: Composition/information on ingredients - The chemical ingredients of the product, including their percentages.
  • Section 4: First-aid measures - How to treat someone who has been exposed to the chemical.
  • Section 5: Firefighting measures - How to fight a fire involving the chemical.
  • Section 6: Accidental release measures - How to clean up a spill of the chemical.
  • Section 7: Handling and storage - How to safely handle and store the chemical.
  • Section 8: Exposure controls/personal protection - How to protect yourself from exposure to the chemical.
  • Section 9: Physical and chemical properties - The physical and chemical properties of the chemical, such as its melting point, boiling point, and vapor pressure.
  • Section 10: Stability and reactivity - The stability and reactivity of the chemical, including its compatibility with other chemicals.
  • Section 11: Toxicological information - The toxicity of the chemical, including its effects on human health.
  • Section 12: Ecological information - The effects of the chemical on the environment.
  • Section 13: Disposal considerations - How to dispose of the chemical safely.
  • Section 14: Transport information - The transportation regulations for the chemical.
  • Section 15: Regulatory information - The safety regulations that apply to the chemical.
  • Section 16: Other Information - Other useful information also may be included here.

Why The SDS is Important

SDSs are important for a number of reasons. They can help you to:
  1. Identify the hazards of a chemical product.
  2. Understand how to work safely with a chemical product.
  3. Take steps to prevent accidents involving chemical products.
  4. Provide first aid to someone who has been exposed to a chemical product.
  5. Clean up a spill of a chemical product.
  6. Dispose of a chemical product safely.

How To Read The SDS

Here we will explore the SDS as it Applies to Laser Processing.

Please see the pdf document 'OSHA3514 - SDS Communication Standard' (attached at the end of this article) to see more about the standardized format of the SDS sheets.

The first step in reading an SDS is to familiarize yourself with the 16 sections of information. Once you understand the different sections, you can start to read the SDS for the specific chemical product you are interested in.

It is important to read the SDS carefully and to follow all of the safety precautions. If you have any questions, you should contact the manufacturer of the chemical product.

If you have any questions about the SDS, you should contact the manufacturer of the chemical product.

General SDS Info

Here are some tips for reading an SDS in general:
  • Start by reading the section on hazard identification. This section will tell you the physical and health hazards of the chemical.
  • Read the section on first-aid measures. This section will tell you how to treat someone who has been exposed to the chemical.
  • Read the section on firefighting measures. This section will tell you how to fight a fire involving the chemical.
  • Read the section on accidental release measures. This section will tell you how to clean up a spill of the chemical.
  • Read the section on handling and storage. This section will tell you how to safely handle and store the chemical.
  • Read the section on exposure controls/personal protection. This section will tell you how to protect yourself from exposure to the chemical.

Laser Specific SDS Info & Tutorial

There are some sections that are particularly important when processing with a laser! Lets take a closer look at a few SDS sheets and go over some important takeaways:
You can find the SDS sheets from the tutorial attached at the end of the article.

NOTE: I refenced on SDS for a thin film and one for a thick sheet for comparison, so it may not be apples to apples.. But take things like that into account when cross-indexing materials.




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