SDS section 5 of 16
SDS Section 5: Fire-fighting measures
Section 5 explains how to fight a fire involving the product. It names the extinguishing media that work, the ones that must not be used, the hazards that arise when the product burns (such as toxic fumes or container rupture), and the protective equipment and precautions firefighters need. It is written for fire crews and for the people who plan a site's fire response.
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What OSHA requires in Section 5
OSHA enforces the content of Section 5 under the Hazard Communication Standard.
Appendix D requires Section 5 to contain:
- Suitable (and unsuitable) extinguishing media. For example, alcohol-resistant foam may be suitable for a water-miscible solvent, and water jets may be unsuitable for a water-reactive metal.
- Specific hazards arising from the chemical, such as the nature of any hazardous combustion products (toxic gases, corrosive fumes) and unusual fire or explosion hazards.
- Special protective equipment and precautions for firefighters, typically self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing, and advice about evacuation distances or cooling containers.
Note that the flash point and flammability limits themselves normally appear in Section 9; Section 5 interprets them for fire-fighting.
GHS Annex 4 and international differences
GHS Annex 4 uses the same three headings. It adds that the section should say whether any media are inappropriate in a particular situation (for example high-pressure media that could stir up an explosible dust cloud), name hazardous combustion products, and give protective actions such as keeping containers cool with water spray.
The REACH Annex II format follows the same logic. Sheets prepared for the EU often use the heading "Advice for firefighters" and the phrase "special hazards arising from the substance or mixture", but the content is equivalent.
What to look for and red flags
What to look for
- Media to avoid. A "do not use water jet" note is a signal to check the reactivity data in Section 10.
- Combustion products. Chlorinated, nitrogen- and sulfur-containing materials may release toxic or corrosive gases when burned.
- Container hazards. Closed containers may rupture or explode when heated; the standard advice is to cool them with water spray from a protected position, unless the product is water reactive.
- Runoff. Fire water can carry contaminants into drains. Look for notes on containment of runoff.
Red flags
- "Use appropriate extinguishing media" with no specifics.
- No combustion product information for a product containing halogens, nitrogen, sulfur or metals.
- Flammable classification in Section 2 with no fire advice here.
- Advice that conflicts with the storage conditions in Section 7, for example storing alongside materials that react with the listed extinguishing media.
Worked example: typical fields
An illustrative layout for a flammable liquid. For a sourced example, see the fire-fighting section of the isopropanol page.
- Suitable media
- For example alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray for cooling
- Unsuitable media
- For example a solid water jet that could spread the burning liquid
- Specific hazards
- Vapors may travel to an ignition source and flash back; containers may rupture in a fire; combustion produces carbon oxides
- Firefighter advice
- Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing; cool exposed containers; keep upwind
See how this looks on a real page: isopropanol safety data, fire-fighting measures section. Every chemical page uses these 16 sections with the same anchors, so you can compare any substance.
Common mistakes
- Picking the nearest extinguisher by habit. The wrong medium can make a fire worse. Match the extinguisher to the product, not only to the generic fire class.
- Not telling the fire brigade what is stored. Pre-incident planning with the local fire service works only if they have the inventory and the key SDS data.
- Forgetting about fire water. Large volumes of water can spread contaminated material or cause a reaction.
- Treating Section 5 as a substitute for Section 9. The numbers (flash point, limits) come from Section 9; Section 5 shows what they mean in practice.
- Overlooking the NFPA diamond. The NFPA 704 diamond on a building gives responders a quick read, but it does not replace SDS-level detail.
Frequently asked questions
What does Section 5 of an SDS cover?
Section 5 lists suitable and unsuitable extinguishing media, the specific hazards that arise when the chemical burns, and the protective equipment and precautions firefighters should use.
Can I use water on any chemical fire?
No. Water is unsuitable for some products, including water-reactive materials and some flammable liquids that float and spread. Always follow the media named in Section 5.
Where is the flash point on the SDS?
The flash point is normally reported in Section 9, physical and chemical properties. Section 5 explains how the fire hazard affects fire-fighting.
Why does Section 5 mention hazardous combustion products?
Burning can produce gases and fumes that are more dangerous than the original product. Knowing them tells firefighters when full breathing apparatus is essential and tells planners what to monitor after a fire.