Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Policy

 

1. Purpose

Swift Chem is committed to promoting the safe handling, storage, transportation, use, and disposal of chemical products.

This Safety Data Sheet (“SDS”) Policy explains our approach to providing SDS documentation in accordance with applicable South African legislation and industry standards.

 

2. What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

A Safety Data Sheet (“SDS”), previously referred to as a Material Safety Data Sheet (“MSDS”), is a document that provides detailed information regarding the hazards, safe handling, storage, emergency measures, disposal requirements, and regulatory status of a chemical substance or mixture.

An SDS is an important component of workplace health, safety, and environmental management systems.

 

3. Regulatory Compliance

Swift Chem complies with applicable South African legislation relating to hazardous chemical substances, including:

  • The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993;

  • The Hazardous Chemical Agents Regulations;

  • The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) as adopted in South Africa; and

  • Any applicable national standards relating to chemical classification, labeling, and safety information.

 

4. Provision of Safety Data Sheets

4.1 Swift Chem provides Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemical substances and mixtures where required by applicable law.

4.2 SDSs may be supplied with the product, made available electronically, published on our website, or provided upon request.

4.3 Customers requiring an SDS may request a copy by contacting Swift Chem at info@swiftchem.co.za.

4.4 Swift Chem will make reasonable efforts to ensure that SDS information is current and accurate at the time of supply.

 

5. SDS Format and Content

5.1 SDSs supplied by Swift Chem are prepared in accordance with applicable GHS requirements and recognised industry standards.

5.2 SDSs generally contain information under the following sixteen (16) sections:

  1. Identification

  2. Hazard Identification

  3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

  4. First Aid Measures

  5. Fire-Fighting 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 Considerations

  14. Transport Information

  15. Regulatory Information

  16. Other Information

  17.  

6. Customer Responsibilities

6.1 Customers are responsible for reviewing and understanding the SDS before handling, storing, transporting, or using any chemical product.

6.2 Customers must ensure that SDSs are made available to employees, contractors, consultants, and any other persons who may be exposed to the relevant chemical products.

6.3 Customers remain responsible for conducting their own workplace risk assessments, implementing appropriate safety controls, providing employee training, and complying with all applicable health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

6.4 The SDS should be read together with product labels, hazard warnings, operating procedures, and any additional safety information provided.

 

7. SDS Updates and Revisions

7.1 SDSs may be revised from time to time as new hazard information becomes available, regulations change, or product formulations are updated.

7.2 Customers are encouraged to ensure that they are using the most recent version of the SDS applicable to the product being used.

 

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 While Swift Chem makes reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date safety information, customers remain responsible for determining the suitability of products for their intended use and for implementing appropriate safety measures.

8.2 Swift Chem shall not be liable for any loss, injury, damage, environmental harm, or expense arising from:

  • Failure to read or follow the SDS;

  • Improper handling, storage, transportation, use, or disposal of products;

  • Failure to implement appropriate workplace safety measures;

  • Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or industry standards.

8.3 Nothing in this policy excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under South African law.