Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Section 1—Identification—forms the foundation of the 16-section SDS. It provides unambiguous chemical identification and contact details, making all subsequent hazards and handling information actionable. Errors here render even detailed SDS sections useless: emergency responders can’t respond effectively to spills, EHS managers can’t track inventories or audits, and regulators issue citations under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). 

Internationally, Section 1 varies—OSHA differs from EU REACH or Canadian WHMIS—creating compliance challenges and inefficiency for global operations. Accurate Section 1 prevents injuries, incompatible mixing, and environmental releases. 

What Is SDS Section 1? (Identification) 

Per OSHA and GHS, Section 1 identifies the chemical or mixture and supplies responsible party and emergency contacts. It bridges container labels to full SDS details, enabling workers, EHS teams, responders, and inspectors to verify the right document quickly. 

Workers match product identifiers before use; EHS populates inventories and investigates incidents; responders access tox data; inspectors check label-SDS alignment. 

Mandatory Information Required in SDS Section 1 (OSHA & GHS) 

  1. Product Identifier

This unique name or code must match container labels, SDSs, purchase orders, and inventories. For substances, use chemical names, for mixtures, trade names or codes. List synonyms, abbreviations, or codes under “Other means of identification.” 

Include CAS numbers for substances (recommended by GHS, required in EU REACH with EC/Index/REACH numbers). Avoid errors like abbreviations, vague terms (“standard grade”), or unlisted variants. 

  1. Recommended Use of the Chemical

Specify intended applications (e.g., “Solvent for pharmaceutical synthesis” vs. vague “industrial solvent”). This informs risk assessments, controls, and training. Sector examples: “lab reagent,” “extraction solvent,” or “calibration standard.” 

  1. Restrictions on Use

List prohibitions (e.g., “Do not use organic solvents” for oxidizers) due to safety, regulations, or incompatibility. Clear restrictions prevent unanticipated hazards like reactions or fires. 

Supplier and Manufacturer Identification 

  1. Manufacturer/Importer Details

List full legal name and physical address (no P.O. boxes). For US sales, provide US-based party (OSHA); EU requires EU entity (REACH). UK post-Brexit and Canada (WHMIS) demand local identifiers. 

  1. Contact Information

Include business hours, technical support and distinct emergency numbers. OSHA allows non-24/7 if hours are specified (e.g., “Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM EST; off-hours call poison control”). Use third-party services for 24/7 tox support, naming the provider. Update post-relocations or mergers to avoid audit failures. 

  1. Emergency Contact Information

Provides rapid tox guidance for incidents. Must be accessible (US-based for OSHA; Canadian for WHMIS). Foreign numbers fail to meet US requirements. Personnel must offer substance-specific advice on exposures, antidotes, and containment. 

  1. SDS Section 1 vs. Chemical Labels

Product identifiers must match exactly between labels and SDS Section 1. Supplier details and recommended uses shape label precautions. Mismatches delay responses, confuse workers, and violate regs. 

How EHS Teams Use SDS Section 1 in Daily Operations 

  • Inventory management: Links containers to SDSs via identifiers for tracking location/quantity. 
  • Storage linking: Ensures SDS access (OSHA: <30 seconds) by work area. 
  • Purchasing/vendor checks: Verifies hazards match facilities; synonyms aid variant ID. 
  • Incident tracking: Confirms product scope for investigations and trends. 

Common Errors Found in SDS Section 1 

  • Inconsistent names (e.g., “Solvent XYZ” vs. “XYZ-Industrial”). 
  • Missing or blank emergency numbers. 
  • Foreign/non-local emergency contacts. 
  • Vague uses (“industrial use”). 
  • Outdated supplier data post-changes. 
  • Omitted synonyms in “Other means.” 

Regulatory Requirements and Regional Variations 

  1. OSHA HazCom (United States) 

Appendix D mandates identifiers, US emergency numbers, label matches. Directive CPL 02-02-079 stresses capable responders and no foreign contacts. 

  1. GHS Alignment

Harmonizes globally but jurisdictions add rules: EU CLP/REACH requires CAS/EC numbers; Canada WHMIS needs initial supplier details. 

  1. International (EU, UK, Canada)

  • EU (REACH): EU supplier, registration numbers, language per member state. 
  • UK: UK-based post-Brexit, independent registration. 
  • Canada (WHMIS 2015): Initial supplier (importer/distributor); emergency if available. 

Best Practices for Maintaining Accurate SDS Section 1 Data 

  • Review SDSs on supplier changes for name/contact updates. 
  • Track revisions with dates/history; retire old versions. 
  • Use digital systems for centralized identifiers and alerts (e.g., >12 months old). 
  • Set supplier protocols for timely revisions. 

Role of SDS Management Software in Section 1 Accuracy 

Cloud systems standardize names across facilities, enable fast searches (by CAS/supplier), automate updates, and integrate with inventories/incidents—reducing errors vs. paper/ad-hoc storage. 

How Section 1 Connects to Other SDS Sections 

  • Section 2: Ensures hazards match identified product. 
  • Section 4: Confirms first aid for correct substance. 
  • Section 7: Contextualizes handling/storage per recommended use.
    Cascading errors from Section 1 flaws undermine entire programs. 

Frequently Asked Questions About SDS Section 1 

  1. Is a CAS number mandatory in Section1? 

For substances, the CAS number should appear in Section 1 to enable unambiguous identification, though OSHA does not explicitly mandate it in Section 1. However, CAS numbers are mandatory in Section 3 (Composition/Information on Ingredients). For EU SDSs, the CAS number is required in Section 1. Best practice recommends including CAS numbers whenever applicable, as they provide international recognition and eliminate confusion from synonyms. 

  1. Can one SDS cover multiple product names? 

Yes. REACH guidance specifically permits a single SDS to cover a product sold under multiple trade names, with all alternative names listed in the “Other means of identification” field. However, this approach requires clear communication about which product variant is being referenced if different trade names represent different concentrations or formulations of the same base product. 

  1. How often should Section 1 be updated? 

Section 1 should be updated whenever any information in that section changes—supplier information, emergency contact number, product name, recommended use, or restrictions-on-use. More broadly, SDSs should be reviewed for currency at least annually and updated within 90 days of the supplier becoming aware of new information that would affect any section (including Section 1). Some best practice approaches establish a 12-month maximum age for all SDSs, prompting review and reconfirmation of currency. 

  1. Who is responsible for accuracy—manufacturer or employer? 

The manufacturer or chemical supplier bears primary responsibility for the accuracy of Section 1 information on the SDS they provide. However, the employer has responsibility for ensuring that SDSs they provide to workers are accurate and current. If a manufacturer provides outdated or inaccurate Section 1 information and the employer relies on it without verification, the employer remains responsible for any resulting non-compliance or safety failures. 

Conclusion: Why Section 1 Is the Starting Point of Chemical Safety 

SDS Section 1—Identification—is not a mere administrative formality but a critical element of workplace chemical safety. It is the single document section that must be understood by the widest possible audience: workers with limited chemistry training, emergency responders unfamiliar with the organization’s specific products, and regulatory inspectors verifying compliance.

The emphasis on accuracy, accessibility, and alignment between Section 1 and related documents (labels, inventory records, other SDS sections) cannot be overstated. Accurate product identification enables correct hazard communication, appropriate control measures, effective incident response, and regulatory compliance.

For EHS teams responsible for chemical safety, an immediate action item should be conducting an audit of Section 1 data in the organization’s current SDS portfolio. Do all product identifiers match what appears on container labels? Are emergency contact numbers current and US-based (for US operations)? Do recommended use descriptions provide sufficient specificity for downstream users? Are supplier addresses and phone numbers up to date? Have products changed suppliers without corresponding SDS updates?

Organizations with significant chemical inventories should consider implementing or upgrading digital SDS management systems that provide centralized storage, version control, automated alerts for outdated documents, and integration with chemical inventory and incident tracking systems. The investment in systematic Section 1 data management returns value through reduced compliance risk, faster access to critical information during incidents, and improved efficiency of chemical safety program operations.

The foundation of effective chemical safety is reliable identification. SDS Section 1 establishes that foundation. Building and maintaining that foundation well is not optional—it is essential.