Every section of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) plays a crucial role—each one offers important details about the substance, its hazards, or how to handle it safely. Section 8 focuses specifically on ‘Exposure Controls and Personal Protection’, providing guidance on how to protect workers from potential health risks during handling or use. It helps ensure a safer work environment by recommending the right protective measures and equipment. 

Every detail in Section 8 of an SDS is essential for creating a safer workplace. The information provided helps facilities educate their workers on how to handle hazardous chemicals safely and responsibly. By understanding this section thoroughly, organizations can strengthen their safety protocols and ensure the right protective measures are in place when working with specific hazardous materials. 

Keep reading to discover why Section 8 is so important—and how the information it provides can help your organization enhance workplace safety and ensure proper protection when handling hazardous chemicals. 

 

What is Section 8 of the SDS? 

Section 8 of the Safety Data Sheet is titled “Exposure Controls/Personal Protection.” It plays a crucial role in guiding how to reduce harmful exposure to hazardous substances. According to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), this section is a mandatory part of every SDS. It outlines exposure limits, recommended engineering controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) that help ensure the safety of workers handling these chemicals. [Source: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3514.pdf] 

 

Why Section 8 Matters? 

Workplace chemicals—especially hazardous ones—can cause serious health issues if not properly managed. These risks range from short-term problems like skin irritation, eye damage, and respiratory discomfort to long-term illnesses such as cancer, reproductive harm, or organ damage. That’s why it’s critical for companies to pay close attention to Section 8 of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). 

By following the guidance outlined in Section 8, companies can: 

  • Protect workers from unnecessary exposure to harmful chemicals. 
  • Create a safer work environment by implementing proper ventilation systems, protective barriers, or substitution controls. 

 

Key Components of SDS Section 8 

Section 8 typically consists of two major parts: 

  1. Control Parameters

This section explains the safe exposure limits for a chemical in the workplace. It tells you how much of the substance a worker can be around during their shift without risking their health. 

It typically includes: 

  • Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs): These are safety thresholds set by organizations such as OSHA (Permissible Exposure Limit or PEL), ACGIH (Threshold Limit Value or TLV), and NIOSH (Recommended Exposure Limit or REL). They indicate the maximum amount of a chemical that workers can be exposed to without expected harm. 
  • Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs): These values help measure chemical exposure through biological testing, such as blood or urine samples. Moreover, these are useful in assessing whether workers have absorbed harmful levels of a substance. 
  • Country-Specific Limits: Depending on where the SDS is authored, local laws may also provide additional exposure limits that must be followed. 

Example: For a chemical like Toluene, the SDS might show an OSHA PEL of 200 ppm and an ACGIH TLV of 20 ppm, helping employers decide the acceptable level of exposure in their facility. 

 

  1. Exposure Controls

This section explains how to control exposure in the workplace. It is broken down into three categories: 

a. Engineering Controls 

These are physical modifications to processes or equipment that help minimize worker exposure. Examples include: 

  • Fume hoods 
  • Local exhaust ventilation 
  • Isolation of processes 
  • Closed systems for chemical transfer 

Tip: Engineering controls are usually considered the first and most effective line of defense before PPE. 

 

b. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

When engineering controls are not enough, PPE is used as a supplementary measure. This part of Section 8 specifies: 

  • Eye/face protection – e.g., safety goggles or face shields 
  • Skin protection – e.g., gloves, aprons, full-body suits 
  • Respiratory protection – e.g., respirators with suitable filters 
  • Foot protection – e.g., chemical-resistant boots 

The SDS may also include recommended material types for gloves (like nitrile or neoprene) and replacement schedules. 

 

c. Administrative Controls 

These are workplace practices designed to reduce exposure by: 

  • Limiting work hours 
  • Rotating job assignments 
  • Providing training on handling and emergency procedures 

This particular area is often less emphasized. However, administrative controls are still an important aspect of a comprehensive chemical safety plan. 

 

What are the Common Misconceptions About Section 8? 

 

  • Wearing PPE is enough to stay safe:

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is important, but it shouldn’t be the only safety measure. Using proper ventilation, safe work practices, and training are also key to reducing risk. 

 

  • As long as exposure stays under the limit, it’s always safe:

Exposure limits are general guidelines. Some workers may still experience health effects even at lower levels, especially if they are more sensitive to certain chemicals. 

 

  • All SDSs list the same exposure limits:

Different countries, organizations, or updates to the SDS can result in different recommended limits. It’s important to check the most current and relevant SDS for your location.

 

Best Practices for Using Section 8 Information 

1. Customize Controls for your Workplace 

Every facility is different. While Section 8 gives general safety advice, it’s important to assess your specific environment. Look at how your team interacts with chemicals—how often, how much, and where. Then, apply the controls that best reduce the actual risks in your workplace. Don’t just rely on what’s written in the SDS—adapt it to suit your situation. 

 

2. Train your Team

Safety equipment only works if people know how to use it. Train your employees on how to properly wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, or goggles. Make sure they also know when and why they need to use it. Hands-on training and visual instructions can help reinforce safe practices. 

 

3. Review and Update Regularly

Chemicals, workplace practices, and legal requirements change over time. Make it a habit to review your SDSs regularly. If a chemical you use has new exposure limits or safety guidelines, make sure your safety procedures are updated to reflect that change. This helps you stay compliant and protect your workers better.

 

4. Use SDS Management Software 

Keeping track of PPE guidelines, exposure limits, and updates for every chemical manually can be overwhelming. Tools like CloudSDS help simplify the process. You can store, organize, and share the latest SDSs across all your locations, making it easy for every team member to follow the correct safety measures—no matter where they work. 

 

Conclusion 

Section 8 of the Safety Data Sheet isn’t just technical data. Yes, it’s a critical tool for protecting your workforce. By clearly outlining exposure limits, control methods, and PPE requirements, it empowers organizations to create safer working environments and reduce health risks. 

From frontline workers to safety managers, everyone benefits when this guidance is properly understood and applied. Prioritizing Section 8 isn’t just about compliance—it’s about making safety a daily practice.