Everything you need to know about lubricant safety data sheets

Safety is a priority when working with lubricants. That's why we want to help you understand the importance of Safety Data Sheets (SDS). These documents are essential to understanding the risks associated with the handling, storage, and use of these products, since they provide crucial information on how to protect your health and the environment. 

They are also a key document for risk prevention, as they contain detailed information on the characteristics of each lubricant, any potential dangers, and safety measures to be taken for safe handling.

The global standard for Safety Data Sheets 

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is the international standard for classifying and labeling chemicals. This system provides common ground for hazard communication, facilitating the understanding of risks around the world.

Based on the GHS, each country or region can adapt the standard to its regulation, as is the case with the EU's Reach regulation. In any case, key elements such as the hazard name and its pictograms are kept the same at a global level.

The 16 sections of a Safety Data Sheet

It is important to remember that product labels also provide key safety information. However, these labels do not replace the SDS, which provides much more complete and detailed information. 

That's why it is important that you check the Safety Data Sheet if you work with lubricants or are regularly exposed to them. On the Repsol Lubricants portal, you have access to our products' SDSs by simply typing in their name in the search engine.

Next, we explain what information you will find in each of the 16 sections of an SDS:

Section 1: Identification of the substance or mixture and of the company or undertaking

This section identifies the product and manufacturer, including its code and emergency contact information. Its recommended uses and those advised against are also specified.

Section 2: Hazard identification

This section describes the hazards posed by the substance or mixture and the appropriate warning information associated with them. Elements that appear on the label, such as pictograms and signal words, are also detailed.

Section 3: Composition and information on ingredients

The product's main components and their concentration are listed here. For mixtures, only hazardous substances above a certain amount (among other requirements) are indicated, whether or not they contribute to the product's classification. Substance registration numbers (such as CAS or CE) are included to facilitate identification.

Section 4: First-aid measures

This explains the first-aid measures that should be taken in case of exposure to the product. Symptoms and effects are detailed, both acute and delayed, and it indicates when medical attention is necessary.

Section 5: Firefighting measures

This section describes the suitable and unsuitable extinguishing media for firefighting measures. Specific dangers of the product in the event of fire and recommendations for the firefighting personnel are also specified.

Section 6: Accidental release measures

Precautions to be taken in the event of a product spill are detailed, indicating containment and cleaning methods, as well as precautions to protect people's health and the environment.

Section 7: Handling and storage

This section covers precautions for safe handling of the product, including storage conditions. Incompatible materials and conditions to be avoided are also specified.

Section 8: Exposure controls and personal protection

This indicates occupational exposure limits and recommends individual protection measures, such as the necessary use of personal protective equipment (PPE); e.g., gloves, goggles, or respirators.

Section 9: Physical and chemical properties

This section describes the product's physical and chemical properties, such as flash point, density, or viscosity. This information is useful for evaluating risks and determining safety measures to be taken.

Section 10: Stability and reactivity

In this case, the product's chemical stability and its reactivity with other substances are recorded, specifying the conditions that should be avoided and the hazardous decomposition products.

Section 11: Toxicological information

This provides a list of the product's toxic health effects, including corrosion, irritation, or carcinogenicity.

Section 12: Ecological information

This describes the product's effects on the environment, such as aquatic toxicity, its persistence or bioaccumulation. The results of ecotoxicological tests and information on other adverse effects are also detailed.

Section 13: Disposal considerations

Section 13 explains how the product and its packaging should safely be disposed of, specifying waste codes and any special precautions to be taken.

Section 14: Transport information

This indicates the product's classification for transport according to the different regulations (ADR, RID, ADN, IMDG, IATA), which include UN numbers, hazard classes, and special precautions.

Section 15: Regulatory information

The penultimate section includes the applicable regulations in terms of safety, health, and the environment, as well as authorizations, usage restrictions, and chemical safety evaluation.

Section 16: Other information

Lastly, additional relevant information is provided, such as the list of abbreviations used or the modifications made to a data sheet with respect to the previous version.

Risk Assessment: a key step

Remember that the information on the Safety Data Sheet only acts as a general guide. It is essential to carry out a specific risk assessment for each situation, considering the product's conditions of use and potential exposure. For example, safety measures will be different if the product is handled in a closed, unventilated environment or outdoors.

If you have any questions about the Safety Data Sheets or need any advice on how to handle our products safely, do not hesitate to contact us by filling out our contact form.