Overview
ISO 11014:2009 - Safety data sheet for chemical products - Content and order of sections - is an international standard that defines the 16-section structure, content and general layout of a safety data sheet (SDS) for chemical products. It establishes the required headings, their numbering and sequence to promote consistent hazard communication. ISO 11014:2009 does not prescribe a fixed printed format or provide a blank SDS template. The standard was revised to align with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS:2007) and replaces earlier editions of ISO 11014.
Key topics and technical requirements
- 16 mandated sections: The SDS must include these headings in the exact order and numbering: 1) Chemical product and company identification; 2) Hazards identification; 3) Composition/information on ingredients; 4) First-aid measures; 5) Fire-fighting measures; 6) Accidental release measures; 7) Handling and storage; 8) Exposure controls and personal protection; 9) Physical and chemical properties; 10) Stability and reactivity; 11) Toxicological information; 12) Ecological information; 13) Disposal considerations; 14) Transport information; 15) Regulatory information; 16) Other information.
- Annex A (normative): Provides instructions and recommended subheadings for compiling and completing each section to ensure information is usable for workplace safety, emergency response, and environmental protection.
- Consistency and transparency: Headings, numbering and sequence must not be altered. Except for section 16, blanks are not permitted-if information is unavailable, the reason must be stated.
- Document control: Every SDS page must show the product name, latest revision date and page numbering. First page should include original preparation date and revision history and may include serial/version identifiers.
- Roles and responsibilities: Suppliers must provide complete and up-to-date SDSs to recipients. Recipients are responsible for applying SDS information in workplace risk assessments and safety programs.
- GHS alignment: Where GHS classification applies, section 2 must include hazard classes, categories and label elements (pictograms, signal words, hazard and precautionary statements).
Applications and users
ISO 11014:2009 is used by:
- Chemical manufacturers and suppliers preparing SDSs
- Health, safety and environmental (HSE) professionals
- Regulatory compliance officers and technical document authors
- Emergency responders and occupational safety personnel
- Procurement, storage and transport teams requiring consistent hazard information
Practical applications include creating harmonized SDSs for international markets, supporting workplace risk assessments, emergency planning, training and cross-referencing with transport and regulatory information.
Related standards
- GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals - GHS:2007) - alignment for hazard communication
- ISO 1000 and ISO 80000-9 - referenced for units and quantities
- ISO/IEC Guide 51 - source of safety-related terms used in the standard
Keywords: ISO 11014:2009, safety data sheet, SDS, MSDS, GHS, hazard communication, chemical products, SDS sections, SDS format, supplier responsibilities.
