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Why is part 9 of SDS important? - "Appearance"

Posted Date:2023/8/2 1

"Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties" of SDS.

This section describes experimental data for substances or mixtures (if possible).

Clearly state the following characteristics and specify the corresponding units of measure and/or reference conditions as appropriate. Measurement methods should also be provided if the interpretation of values is required (e.g. flash point, open/closed cup) : (a) appearance (physical state, color, etc.); (b) Smell; (c) Odour threshold; (d) pH value; (e) Solution/freezing point; (f) Initial boiling point and boiling range; (g) Flash point; (h) evaporation rate; (i) flammability (solid, gas); (j) Upper and lower flammable or explosive limits; (k) vapour pressure; (l) vapor density; (m) relative density; (n) soluble; (o) Distribution coefficient: n-octanol/water; (p) automatic ignition temperature; (q) decomposition temperature; (r) viscosity.

(a) Appearance (physical state, color, etc.)

Today I will focus on the importance of "appearance". Physical form, appearance, and odor are the most basic physical and chemical properties available for almost every chemical substance, including substances and mixtures. In general, chemical states (solid, liquid, gas) should be provided under normal conditions (room temperature and less than 1 atom concentration). The form of the chemical (powder, flakes, etc.) should also be described in terms of color and smell.

The state of a chemical substance has a great influence on its exposure path and distribution in various environmental compartments. For example, the inhalation route will be the main route for gas and some dust and smoke.

When classifying a chemical according to the physical hazard of the GHS, its chemical state must be known. For example, if a chemical is flammable, you must know whether it is a flammable gas, a flammable solid, or a flammable liquid.

In addition, physical form is also extremely important in classification. According to "Section 1.3.2.4.9.4" in the introduction of the GHS document, exposure routes, mechanical information and metabolic studies are all suitable for determining the relevance of an effect to people. When such information raises questions about its relevance to people, it may be necessary to lower the categorization. No classification should be made of substances or mixtures where the mechanism or mode of action is clearly irrelevant to man.

For example, if a mixture contains a carcinogen, and the carcinogen is exposed through inhalation, and the substance is classified as having a particle diameter of nanometer scale. If in fact the mixture is lumpy and no particles of that form are present, it should not be classified.

These 3 attributes can be directly observed or sensed by workers without measuring equipment and are included in section 9 of SDS. It is important for workers to know what forms of chemicals they are dealing with.

So this is particularly important to the staff of the SDS as well as to the workers.