Safety Data Sheets (SDS): what they are and how to read them
Updated on 2026-07-06
A practical guide to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for professional chemical products: what they are for, how a sheet is structured and how to read it to work safely and in compliance with regulations.
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the document that accompanies a chemical product and describes its hazards, precautions for use, first-aid measures and disposal methods. It is required by the REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 and is mandatory for substances and mixtures classified as hazardous.
For those using professional detergents and disinfectants, the SDS is the reference tool to use products correctly and safely, train staff and document compliance (HACCP, risk assessment under Italian Legislative Decree 81/2008).
The 16 sections of the SDS
An SDS has a standard structure of 16 sections: 1) identification of the product and supplier; 2) hazard identification; 3) composition/information on ingredients; 4) first-aid measures; 5) firefighting measures; 6) accidental release measures; 7) handling and storage; 8) exposure controls/personal protection; 9) physical and chemical properties; 10) stability and reactivity; 11) toxicological information; 12) ecological information; 13) disposal; 14) transport; 15) regulatory information; 16) other information.
The most consulted sections in daily use are 2 (hazards and pictograms), 4 (first aid), 7 (handling and storage) and 8 (PPE and dilutions/operator protection).
Hazard pictograms (CLP)
The red-and-white diamond symbols are the pictograms defined by the CLP Regulation (EC) 1272/2008: they indicate, for example, corrosive, irritant/harmful, flammable or environmentally hazardous products. Recognising them at a glance is the first step towards safe handling; the SDS explains their full meaning in section 2.
Why they matter for your business
Having up-to-date SDS accessible to staff is a legal requirement and a concrete safeguard: they are the basis for chemical risk assessment (Legislative Decree 81/2008), for HACCP self-monitoring plans in food service and for operator training. In case of an inspection or accident, the documentation must be available and correct.
Where to find the SDS of Dipres products
For every product we distribute we provide up-to-date safety and technical data sheets. If you need the SDS of a specific item, contact us with the product name or code and we will send it to you. Our technical department can also support you in the correct management of chemical products and in staff training.
Frequently asked questions
Are safety data sheets mandatory?
Yes: for substances and mixtures classified as hazardous, the SDS is mandatory under the REACH Regulation and must be provided to the professional user.
How often should an SDS be updated?
The SDS must be updated whenever relevant new information emerges (e.g. classification, regulations). It is good practice to always use the most recent version provided by the manufacturer/distributor.
How do I request the safety data sheet of a Dipres product?
Contact us with the product name or code: we will provide the up-to-date SDS and technical data sheet.