What’s Behind the Change from MSDS to SDS?

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed-upon system, created by the United Nations in 1992, to replace the various classification and labelling standards used in different countries by using consistent criteria on a global level. Today more than 65 countries have adopted or are in the process of adopting the GHS label standard.

As of June 1, 2016, noticeable changes have occurred on the safety labels, safety data sheets and chemical classifications for all Fujifilm chemical products. Changes include:

  • Substituting Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the previous Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) designation
  • Incorporating nine (9) pictograms to help classification recognition

The safety data sheet is specifically aimed at use in the workplace. It provides comprehensive information about the chemical product that allows employers and workers to obtain concise, relevant and accurate information that can be put in perspective with regard to the hazards, uses and risk management of the chemical product in the workplace. The SDS contains 16 sections, including the following headings in the order specified:

  1. Identification
  2. Hazard(s) identification
  3. Composition/information on ingredients
  4. First-aid measures
  5. Fire-fighting measures
  6. Accidental release measures
  7. Handling and storage
  8. Exposure control/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

How this Affects Fujifilm Customers

Fujifilm has completed label changes for all chemical products to include the new pictograms. In addition, all MSDS sheets have been updated to the new Safety Data Sheet designation. Please note some products may have had classification changes. To find the new safety data sheets for the products you carry, visit GHS SDS where you can search by product code or product name.