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Mandatory content and format requirements for a Safety Data Sheet

High severity
SA · Hazardous Chemicals WHS / Hazardous Chemicals / Safety Data Sheets
The obligation
An SDS must contain all 16 GHS sections with accurate hazard, composition, first-aid, handling, storage, and regulatory information in the prescribed format.
The Code of Practice sets out the required 16-section structure for an SDS in accordance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Each section must contain prescribed information including chemical identity, hazard classification, composition, first-aid measures, fire-fighting measures, handling and storage guidance, exposure controls/PPE, physical and chemical properties, stability/reactivity, toxicological information, and regulatory information.
What
An SDS must contain all 16 GHS sections with accurate hazard, composition, first-aid, handling, storage, and regulatory information in the prescribed format.
Source
safework.sa.gov.au

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Labels
SDS GHS content requirements format
Official sources
Frequently asked questions

Which WHS law does this come from?

Mandatory content and format requirements for a Safety Data Sheet is a WHS requirement set out in Preparation of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals (SA). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA). The relevant provision is WHS / Hazardous Chemicals / Safety Data Sheets.

What does this WHS obligation require?

Mandatory content and format requirements for a Safety Data Sheet is a WHS obligation under Preparation of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals (SA). In short, An SDS must contain all 16 GHS sections with accurate hazard, composition, first-aid, handling, storage, and regulatory information in the prescribed format.

What changed recently?

Mandatory content and format requirements for a Safety Data Sheet was last updated on 26 August 2026.

About this Topic

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First seenAug 2026