WHMIS Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many standardized sections does a GHS-compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contain?
- 12
- 14
- 16 (Correct answer)
- 18
Correct answer: 16
A GHS-compliant SDS must contain exactly 16 sections in a standardized order.
Question 2: Which SDS section provides the supplier's name, address, and emergency phone number?
- Section 2 – Hazard Identification
- Section 1 – Identification (Correct answer)
- Section 15 – Regulatory Information
- Section 16 – Other Information
Correct answer: Section 1 – Identification
Section 1 (Identification) lists the product identifier, supplier contact details, and recommended use or restrictions.
Question 3: Section 2 of an SDS must include which of the following?
- Flash point and boiling point
- GHS hazard classifications and signal words (Correct answer)
- First-aid measures for eye contact
- Disposal methods for the product
Correct answer: GHS hazard classifications and signal words
Section 2 (Hazard Identification) covers GHS classification, signal words, hazard and precautionary statements, and hazard pictograms.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of Section 3 (Composition/Information on Ingredients) on an SDS?
- To list all physical properties of the product
- To identify the chemical identity and concentration of hazardous ingredients (Correct answer)
- To provide exposure limits set by regulators
- To describe proper storage conditions
Correct answer: To identify the chemical identity and concentration of hazardous ingredients
Section 3 discloses the chemical names and concentrations (or ranges) of hazardous ingredients so workers know what they are exposed to.
Question 5: Section 4 of an SDS focuses on which topic?
- Fire-fighting measures
- Accidental release measures
- First-aid measures (Correct answer)
- Handling and storage
Correct answer: First-aid measures
Section 4 (First-Aid Measures) describes immediate treatment for exposure by inhalation, skin/eye contact, and ingestion.
Question 6: Under WHMIS 2015, who is legally responsible for preparing an accurate SDS for a hazardous product?
- The workplace safety officer
- The end-user employer
- The supplier or manufacturer (Correct answer)
- The government regulator
Correct answer: The supplier or manufacturer
Suppliers and manufacturers are required by WHMIS legislation to prepare and provide accurate SDS documents for the hazardous products they sell.
Question 7: In Canada under WHMIS 2015, an SDS must be provided in which languages?
- English only
- French only
- Both English and French (Correct answer)
- The language preferred by the majority of workers
Correct answer: Both English and French
WHMIS 2015 requires that SDS be available in both official languages — English and French.
WHMIS Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 2
How many standardized sections does a GHS-compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contain?