Safety Data Sheet Compliance Tool (2024)

The purpose of this document is to assist suppliers with the preparation of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a hazardous product by providing key information about specific regulatory requirements and best practices to address the most common SDS non-compliances identified by Health Canada.

This document is not intended to provide a comprehensive review of the requirements of the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR), or to replace the Technical Guidance on the Requirements of the Hazardous Products Act and the Hazardous Products Regulations (the Technical Guidance). This document should be read in conjunction with the Act and the Regulations, and the Technical Guidance.

The HPA requires suppliers of hazardous products to communicate the hazards associated with their products via product labels and SDSs as a condition of sale and importation for workplace use.

SDSs provide more detailed hazard information about the product than the label. In addition to being an important resource for workplaces and workers, the SDS may also be used by first responders, such as firefighters and emergency medical services, and occupational health and safety officers to learn about the product(s), including the hazards, personal protection, and safe handling and emergency measures.

Note: The “Tips” sections include information on the regulatory requirements that suppliers must comply with, which is denoted by the usage of the term “must.” The “Tips” sections also include best practices that are recommended to be followed, which are denoted by the usage of the term “should.”