How to Correctly Read and Use Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for Coatings and Printing Inks: A Guide for Manufacturers and Application Technicians

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Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are fundamental documents accompanying every industrial chemical raw material, including paints and printing inks. However, we often encounter situations where their content remains unclear or overlooked by users. SDS are not just an obligation under REACH and CLP regulations—they contain practical information that can prevent accidents, improve production quality, and ensure compliance with legislation. In this article, we will explore how to correctly read and utilize individual SDS sections, what to watch out for, and how to apply this information in the daily practice of manufacturers and application technicians.

1. Why the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a Key Document for Every Manufacturer and Application Technician

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a fundamental document that provides comprehensive information on chemical substances and mixtures, including paints and printing inks. Its primary purpose is to ensure the safe handling of products throughout their entire life cycle – from production through storage, transport, application, and disposal. For manufacturers and application technicians, the SDS is an essential tool that helps prevent risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances, such as irritants, flammable materials, or substances toxic to the environment.

In accordance with the REACH and CLP regulations, an SDS must be available for all hazardous mixtures and substances placed on the market. This also applies to paints and printing inks, which often contain components with varying degrees of risk. The Safety Data Sheet thus serves not only as a legal obligation but primarily as a practical guide that enables the correct assessment of risks and the implementation of appropriate protective measures. Ignoring the information in the SDS can lead to serious health issues, environmental damage, or legal penalties.

2. Structure of the Safety Data Sheet: How to Navigate the 16 Mandatory Sections

The Safety Data Sheet is standardized according to international regulations and consists of 16 mandatory sections that provide a comprehensive overview of the properties and risks of a given product. The first section contains the identification of the substance or mixture and supplier details, which is crucial for quick orientation and emergency contact. This is followed by information on hazards (Section 2), which includes classifications according to CLP/GHS, such as hazard symbols, standard hazard statements (H-phrases), and safety instructions (P-phrases).

Other important sections include the product composition (Section 3), first aid measures (Section 4), fire-fighting measures (Section 5), and procedures for dealing with spills (Section 6). For application technicians, Sections 7 (handling and storage) and 8 (exposure controls and personal protective equipment) are particularly key, as they define the conditions for safe work with the material. Sections 9 to 16 then contain technical and ecological data, information on transport, disposal, and legal regulations. Proper understanding of each section enables effective risk minimization and optimization of work procedures.

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3. REACH and CLP: How these regulations affect the content of Safety Data Sheets

The REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) form the fundamental legislative framework for handling chemical substances in the European Union. REACH requires the registration of all substances manufactured or imported in quantities exceeding 1 tonne per year, which directly impacts the content of safety data sheets. Manufacturers of paints and printing inks must ensure that all components of their products are properly registered and that the SDS contains up-to-date information on their hazards and safe use.

The CLP Regulation sets out rules for the classification, labelling, and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures according to the GHS (Globally Harmonized System). This means that safety data sheets must include standardised hazard symbols, H-phrases (describing hazards), and P-phrases (safe handling instructions). For manufacturers and application technicians, it is crucial to monitor updates to these regulations, as changes in substance classification may require adjustments to working procedures, protective measures, or even product reformulation. Compliance with REACH and CLP is therefore not only a legal obligation but also a guarantee of safety and quality.

4. Practical Tips: How to Use SDS for Optimising Manufacturing and Application Processes

A safety data sheet is not just a formal document but a valuable source of information that can significantly contribute to the optimisation of manufacturing and application processes. For example, Section 7 (Handling and Storage) provides recommendations on temperature conditions, humidity, or compatibility with other materials, which can help prevent product degradation or undesirable chemical reactions. Application technicians should also pay attention to Section 8, which lists exposure limits and recommended personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety goggles, or respirators.

Another practical use of SDS is planning safety measures when working with flammable or toxic components. Sections 5 (firefighting measures) and 6 (accidental release measures) provide specific instructions on how to proceed in the event of an accident. For manufacturers, it may be useful to compare SDS from different suppliers to select raw materials with lower risks or better environmental parameters. Regular review and employee training on SDS content will ensure that all workers can handle chemical materials efficiently and safely.

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5. Hazard identification and safety measures: How to read sections 2, 7 and 8 of SDS for coatings and printing inks

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contains key information about the risks associated with a specific product, which is essential for ensuring safety during handling, storage, and application. Section 2 (Hazard Identification) summarizes the product classification according to CLP/GHS regulations, including hazard symbols, standard hazard statements (H-phrases), and safety handling instructions (P-phrases). For paints and printing inks, you will often encounter risks such as flammability, skin or eye irritation, or toxicity from inhaling vapours. This information allows technicians and workers to adapt protective equipment and procedures to the specific application conditions.

Sections 7 (Handling and Storage) and 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) provide specific recommendations for minimizing risks. For example, for solvent-based paints, the maximum storage temperature (usually up to 25 °C) or the requirement for workplace ventilation (e.g., local vapour extraction) may be specified. Section 8 then specifies the types of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile), safety goggles, or respirators with an appropriate filter. Following these guidelines is not only a legal obligation but also a guarantee of safety and efficiency in the production process.

6. Compatibility of Raw Materials and Stability of Mixtures: How SDS Helps Prevent Production Errors

When formulating paints or printing inks, ensuring the compatibility of individual components and the stability of the resulting mixture is crucial. Safety Data Sheets contain information on chemical reactivity (Section 10 – Stability and Reactivity), which can warn against hazardous combinations. For example, some pigments or additives may react with acidic or alkaline components, leading to undesirable heating, gas release, or degradation of product properties. The SDS also lists conditions to avoid, such as high temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.

Section 9 (Physical and chemical properties) provides data on viscosity, pH, flash point, or solubility, which are crucial for proper mixing and application. For example, in water-based coatings, it is important to monitor pH to prevent emulsion destabilization. Manufacturers should compare the SDS of individual raw materials and verify that their combination does not lead to undesirable reactions. This helps avoid production errors such as sedimentation, coagulation, or loss of adhesion, while optimizing the lifespan and performance of the final product.

7. SDS as a Tool for Employee Training and Workplace Safety Documentation

Safety data sheets are not just formal documents – they serve as the foundation for employee training and the creation of internal safety procedures. According to current legislation, employees must be familiar with the risks associated with handling chemical substances and mixtures, and the SDS is the primary source of this information. Training should include practical demonstrations on how to read and interpret key sections (e.g., 2, 7, 8, and 13) and how to proceed in the event of a spill, fire, or exposure.

The SDS also plays a key role in workplace safety documentation and emergency plans. For example, Section 6 (Accidental release measures) contains procedures for cleaning up spilled substances, which must be incorporated into internal emergency regulations. Similarly, Section 13 (Disposal considerations) provides information on proper waste disposal, which is important for compliance with environmental regulations. Regularly updating training and documentation based on current SDS ensures that employees are always prepared for the safe handling of chemical products.

Do you have questions about safety documentation?

For every raw material in our portfolio, we provide complete safety data sheets and technical specifications in accordance with current legislation. If you need assistance with interpreting SDS or selecting the right system for your application, contact us – we will be happy to help. Get in touch – or browse our catalogue of over 1,300 products.