Analyze an SDS

SDS section 16 of 16

SDS Section 16: Other information

Section 16 contains everything that does not fit in the first fifteen sections, and OSHA requires it to state the date of preparation or of the last revision of the SDS. That date is the quickest way to judge how current the sheet is. Many suppliers also use it for a summary of changes, abbreviations, references and a liability disclaimer.

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What OSHA requires in Section 16

OSHA enforces the content of Section 16 under the Hazard Communication Standard.

Appendix D requires Section 16 to include the date of preparation of the safety data sheet or the last change to it. Beyond that, suppliers commonly add other useful information, for example:

  • A summary of what changed in the latest revision.
  • Key to abbreviations and acronyms.
  • Key literature references and sources of data.
  • Training advice and recommended restrictions on use.
  • Other rating systems, such as NFPA or HMIS, shown for information (the NFPA 704 diamond is an example).

Unlike Sections 12 to 15, OSHA enforces Section 16's date requirement as part of the HazCom standard, so a missing date is a compliance problem for the supplier. If you receive a sheet with no date, ask for a corrected one.

GHS Annex 4 and international differences

GHS Annex 4 describes Section 16 as including information on the preparation and revision of the SDS, with the date of the latest version, an indication of changes from previous versions (unless stated elsewhere), a key to abbreviations and acronyms, and key literature references and data sources. In the EU the sheet must be dated, changes made in a revision must be indicated, and for mixtures the method used for classification is expected.

Some sheets also list the full text of every H-statement referenced in Sections 2 and 3. That is good practice, because Section 3 may cite codes that are not in Section 2. Our hazard statements reference gives the standard wording of each code.

What to look for and red flags

What to look for

  • Revision date and version. A current date is a good sign; an old date is a prompt to ask the supplier for an update.
  • Change summary. It tells you which sections were revised and whether you need to retrain.
  • Abbreviation key and references. They tell you where the data comes from.
  • Full text of H-codes cited in earlier sections.
  • Method of classification for mixtures, if given.

Red flags

  • No date or an unreadable date.
  • A date that is earlier than the product's current formulation or label.
  • Dates in the sheet header and Section 16 that disagree.
  • A long disclaimer that disclaims responsibility for the accuracy of the sheet itself, with no data sources.

Worked example: typical fields

An illustrative layout. For the way this site cites the information it compiles, see the other-information section of the methanol page and our data sources page.

Date of preparation / revision
A full date, and a version number
Changes in this revision
Sections updated and why
Abbreviations
Key to acronyms used in the sheet
References
Databases and literature the data came from
Full text of hazard statements
Codes cited in Sections 2 and 3, written out
Disclaimer
Statement of intended use and limits of the sheet

See how this looks on a real page: methanol safety data, other information section. Every chemical page uses these 16 sections with the same anchors, so you can compare any substance.

Common mistakes

  • Ignoring the date. An old sheet may predate a reclassification or an updated limit.
  • Filing the new sheet without reading the change notes. The summary of changes tells you if the hazards, PPE or storage rules changed.
  • Mistaking HMIS or NFPA ratings for the GHS classification. They are separate systems and Section 16 shows them for information only.
  • Relying on the supplier's disclaimer. It doesn't remove the employer's obligations to keep a current sheet and train employees.
  • Not checking the sheet at all after a re-order. Request an update when a supplier sends a new revision; see SDS update requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What does Section 16 of an SDS contain?

Section 16 contains the date of preparation or last revision, which OSHA requires, and any other information the supplier chooses to include, such as change summaries, abbreviation keys, references and disclaimers.

How do I know if my SDS is out of date?

Check the date of preparation or last revision in Section 16. Compare it to the date you received the product, and ask the supplier for a current version if the sheet is old or if the product has changed.

Is the NFPA rating the same as the GHS classification?

No. NFPA 704 and HMIS are separate rating systems. Section 16 may show them for information, but the GHS classification in Section 2 is the one tied to OSHA's HazCom label elements.

Does OSHA enforce Section 16?

OSHA requires the date of preparation or last change. Beyond that date, the content of Section 16 is up to the supplier.

Reference only. This page is general education, not legal advice and not a replacement for the safety data sheet, label and procedures that come with the product you use or for the text of the regulation itself. Have an SDS you want explained? Try the AI SDS analyzer.