A Cleaner's Visual on Using Safety Data Sheets, Part 2
Sep 06, 2023
Check out Part 1 on the "why" for using SDS and how to set them up.
This post is around the "what" with details on SDS sheets. You can search the product name AND SDS and come up with the SDS sheet. The challenge with this method is that there are so many variations of products out there now, and the differences are enough that you could be looking at the wrong SDS.
Outside of Google and the EPA reg number, you can ask your supplier for a SDS copy and they'll provide it for you.
So, let's say you need to find Windex glass cleaner's SDS. Simply google "Windex SDS" and it'll be a top result. Click on that and you'll likely either find the SDS directly or you'll find their webpage with an option for a SDS sheet:
If you click that, it'll take you to the SDS sheet where you can download it and even print it.
Once in there are some notables:
The most obvious from the get go is the emergency support. What if someone swallowed some? What if an employee sprayed it in her eyes, like ours did as mentioned in Part 1? There is pertinent contact info if there's an emergency.
There are no hazards to this glass cleaner so there will be no indication of that in the SDS. But below is an example for bleach. It tells you the hazards to a person (skin and eyes) and the level of danger for these.
In Section 4, it'll tell you the first aid measures of that product. So back to glass cleaner, there are no special first aid measures you need to take if you get it on your skin, eyes, inhalation, etc. Read this carefully for first aid on other products. For example, in the bleach above, inducing vomiting will make the person worse vs. doing nothing, if it were swallowed. Stomach acids can tame it. But vomiting back up would cause further damage to the esophagus.
The next few sections of the SDS talk about storage, firefighting measures, accidental release, and other pertinent events, and includes what to do . Worth a review, especially for accidental spills.
Section 8 of every SDS covers necessary PPE when using the product. We already established that Windex is an irritant so there are PPE measures to limit that issue (hint: just wash your hands):
Section 9 is always my go-to. It tells us the pH of that product. This is VERY important to know. If you've been a cleaner for any length of time you've probably made a mistake by using the wrong product on the wrong surface, and damaged that surface. Much of this is caused by a pH that's not compatible with that surface. Windex has a pH of 10.7. Neutral (water) has a pH of 7. This is far north of that on a scale of 14. This is a moderate base due to its ammonia. This will cause damage if you use it on surfaces like stainless steel, natural stone (e.g. marble or granite), some wood finishes, copper patina, and glass stove tops.
Section 10 can tell you what it can react with. For example, mixing ammonia and bleach will create chloramine gas which is poisonous.
Other sections include more data, disposal, transportation, and environmental/toxicity information. Not health related but many cleaners reading this want to provide a "toxic-free" option for their clients. This is one step you can take to make that claim if using a non-toxic product.
I hope this is useful for someone. In my strong opinion, you need to know this stuff and keep SDS sheets on the ready.
For note, below is a link to Windex. I'm not advocating this product whatsoever, but if you do use it, here's the SDS:
