Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

The safety data sheet contains important information on hazards, protection measures, procedures after accidents, etc. for the chemical product in question. Its distribution in the industrial occupational field is obligatory.

The SDS contains information on possible product hazards and gives instructions for the correct handling, for suitable protective measures, for storage, for transport and for waste disposal as well as for procedures in the case of accident.
The employer is responsible for the correct handling of chemical products in the workplace. The employer can be supported in this task by employees (safety officers and supervisors). The employer must ensure that the employees are informed about working correctly with chemical products and are instructed on the correct handling methods. For products with hazardous ingredients it is obligatory to transmit a safety data sheet.
The manufacturer of the product is responsible for issuing the SDS. In Switzerland a possible importer acts as the responsible manufacturer. All sellers (dealers) along the supply chain are responsible for the distribution. Safety data sheets are used throughout Europe – in principle the Swiss SDS and the European SDS are identical. As in any other country the country-specific information for Switzerland has to be added. This includes the responsible manufacturer/importer, the Swiss emergency information, any specific Swiss limit values (see SUVA), limitations such as maternity and child protection or other information in accordance with Swiss legal provisions.
The adaptation may be made either in the sections 1, 7, 8, 13 and 15 of the SDS or as a cover sheet.

The guide “The safety data sheet in Switzerland” describes how the safety data sheet has to be compiled or adapted for Switzerland.

Annexes 1 and 2 of this guide are intended to give practical instructions for preparing or adapting safety data sheets that have to be made available in Switzerland.