Inaccurate or poorly written SDSs not only put your business at risk of regulatory non-compliance but also jeopardize worker safety and product credibility. Low-cost providers and generic SDS automation software often miss critical details, leading to GHS violations and avoidable liability.
In this article, we break down the top 7red flags that indicate an SDS has been improperly authored—and how to avoid them.
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) provides a standardized format for communicating chemical hazards. When an SDS fails to meet GHS or WHMIS standards, the consequences can include:
Tip: Always verify your SDS author’s qualifications and ensure their work is backed by proven regulatory expertise.
SDS authoring is a technical discipline. Authors should have formal training in toxicology, chemistry, and regulatory compliance.
Quantum SDS uses Registered SDS Authors—recognized as industry leaders in compliant SDS creation.
A compliant SDS must include:
Many legacy WHMIS 1988 SDSs or DIY tools fail to meet these updated structural expectations under GHS.
Incorrect hazard classification or mismatched pictograms is a serious red flag.
Misclassifying a substance as non-toxic, for example, can expose workers and employers to dangerous risks—and trigger non-compliance penalties.
GHS requires standardized precautionary statements for each hazard class. These statements provide guidance on:
Excluding them entirely is a violation of GHS rules.
Quantum SDS’s internal GHS reference tool ensures the correct precautionary language is always included.
Every hazardous product must include a SignalWord—either “Danger” or “Warning”—as specified by GHS and WHMIS regulations.
Improper placement or omission of the signal word compromises clarity and violates labelling rules.
A legitimate SDS should include:
This info is vital for traceability and maybe legally required if the SDS is ever submitted as evidence.
Reissuing an SDS with a new title and issue date—but no structural or content updates—is deceptive and non-compliant.
Your SDS must reflect current regulatory requirements, not just have a recent date.
Before accepting an SDS, make sure it
With 30+ years of experience, QuantumSDS’s team of regulatory experts and Registered SDS Authors ensure your SDSs are:
Avoid the risks of a poorly written SDS. Contact the Quantum SDS team for professional authoring services or software solutions tailored to your business.
Get in touch today to ensure your Safety Data Sheets are updated to the new WHMIS compliance standards. With Quantum’s authoring expertise and smart software solutions, compliance doesn’t have to be complicated.
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