Behind every SDS is a simple goal: keeping people safe.
New Zealand’s Adoption of GHS7 for Hazardous Substances
New Zealand has fully adopted the Global Harmonised System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals within its Hazardous Substances Chemical Information System.
Source: EPA New Zealand – Hazard Classification System
The GHS is an internationally recognised framework used to classify hazardous chemicals based on their health, physical, and environmental risks. It assigns clear hazard symbols and statements to substances, helping users understand the potential dangers associated with handling or exposure.
To align with global standards, New Zealand has transitioned to GHS7, the seventh revision of the system. This move supports consistent chemical classification and hazard communication worldwide. For manufacturers and users alike, it means clearer, more uniform information—minimising the risk of confusion from inconsistent labels or safety data, and ensuring hazardous substances are appropriately identified and managed.
Why GHS Standards Matter for SDS and Labelling
GHS7 enhances workplace and consumer safety by providing a standardised format for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical labels. These tools help communicate crucial hazard information—ensuring everyone involved, from laboratory technicians and transport operators to cleaning professionals, knows exactly what they’re dealing with and how to handle it safely.
The system offers clear guidance for chemical manufacturers on how to classify, label, and document chemical hazards. By following a globally consistent set of rules, companies can reduce miscommunication and better protect people and the environment.
Learn more about GHS7 labelling and SDS requirements here:
Source: EPA New Zealand – SDS, Labelling, and Packaging
Understanding SDS: Why GHS7 Is More Than Just Labels
To help make sense of GHS7, we’ve broken down how to read and understand a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)—and why it matters.
The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) is not just about compliance or paperwork. It’s about clear, accessible safety communication—ensuring that everyone involved in the life cycle of a chemical product, from the person mixing it in the lab, to the truck driver transporting it, to the end user cleaning with it, knows exactly what they’re handling and how to do so safely.
By setting global rules for chemical classification and labelling, GHS helps:
- Protect workers from hidden or unseen hazards
- Clearly outline chemical properties and provide essential information to mitigate risks and ensure safe handling
- Prevent accidents while working with chemicals through proper PPE use and knowledge of how to respond if something goes wrong
- Minimise transport risks, ensuring safe delivery and clear hazard identification for handlers
- pecify protective measures such as first aid, emergency response, spill cleanup, and firefighting guidance
- Support safer waste disposal to protect our environment
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, understanding SDSs under the GHS7 framework is a fundamental step toward building a safer, more informed, and more responsible workplace.
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)? And How to Use Them
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly known as a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a detailed document that provides vital information about a chemical product. It outlines the product’s properties, hazards, safe usage, handling, transportation, and disposal procedures. SDSs are a critical part of workplace safety and are required by law in many countries, including New Zealand, under the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
As stated by the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority:
“Safety data sheets are designed to protect the health and safety of people in the workplace.”
What Information Does an SDS Include:
Each SDS contains 16 standardized sections:
- Material and Supply Company Identification: Product name, recommended use, manufacturer’s name and contact information, and emergency contact numbers.
- Hazards Identification: Details on the hazard classification, physical and chemical hazards such as flammability, toxicity, or reactivity, health hazards, and environmental hazards of the substance. The use of signal words like “Danger” or “Warning” that indicate the severity of the hazard. The dangerous good classification is included here if relevant.
- Composition Information: Information about the chemical ingredients: list of substances that make up the chemical product and the percentage proportion of each ingredient in the product.
- First Aid Measures: Treatment recommendations in case of exposure, such as skin contact, inhalation, eye contact, or ingestion. PPE for first aiders is also included here.
- Fire Fighting Measures: Information on appropriate extinguishing agents and fire hazards.
- Accidental Release Measures: Emergency Procedures; steps to take if the chemical is spilled or leaked. Recommended protective equipment for safely handling the spill, including containment, cleanup, and disposal.
- Handling and Storage: Safe handling practices; how to safely use and handle the chemical. Storage Conditions; proper storage requirements, such as temperature and containment.
- Exposure Controls/Personal Protection: Information on recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, goggles or respirators and engineering controls to minimize exposure. Hygiene measures are included here.
- Physical and Chemical Properties: Details on the substance’s physical state, colour, form, odour, boiling point, melting point, pH level and other relevant properties.
- Stability and Reactivity: The chemical stability information on how stable the chemical is under various conditions, potential reactions with other substances and conditions to avoid is included as well.
- Toxicological Information: Information on the substance’s toxicity and potential health effects from exposure.
- Ecological Information: Information on the substance’s environmental impact and potential for harm to the environment.
- Disposal Considerations: Disposal Methods: Recommendations for proper disposal of the substance and its container.
- Transport Information: Guidelines for the safe transport of the chemical.
- Regulations Information: Relevant regulations and standards for the chemical.
- Other Information: When the SDS was created or last updated. Revision Information: Changes or updates to the SDS.
How to Use an SDS
- Read Before Use: Always review the SDS before using a new chemical product to understand its hazards and safety requirements.
- Follow Safety Instructions: Comply with all safety precautions, including recommended PPE and safe handling procedures.
- Emergency Response: Keep the SDS readily accessible for emergency situations. It provides critical information on first aid and emergency response procedures. All Kemsol products now feature a QR code on the label linking directly to the most current SDS.
- Training: Ensure everyone handling chemicals is trained to read and interpret SDSs effectively.
- Stay Updated: SDSs are regularly updated. Make sure you are working with the most recent revision.
- Accessibility: Store SDSs in a central, easily accessible location – either physically or digitally via your safety systems.
TIP: Every Chemical Solutions product now includes a QR code on the label that links directly to the latest SDS – perfect for quick access in any situation.
SDSs are more than documents – they’re a key part of workplace safety. Understanding and using them correctly helps protect people, prevent accidents, and promote a safer work environment.
Need a Safety Data Sheet?
- Scan the QR code on the product label
- Distributors: Login to your Media Hub account for full access Media Hub
- Browse our product range: www.kemsol.co.nz
- Customer Service:
📧 E: CustomerService@kemsol.co.nz
📞 Ph: 0800 KEMSOL (0800 536 765)
