SDS Authoring Software Overview

Benefits and Limitations

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From a user perspective, using SDS authoring software makes the process of SDS creation significantly more efficient. Not only it saves a lot of time, but also eliminates many typos and mistakes, which inevitably occur during old school manual SDS writing. For the most part, SDS authoring is a very routine process which must follow strict guidelines to meet regional regulations. Therefore, it is easily programmable. In addition to highly regulated standard 16 sections GHS SDS format, regulators recommend using standard stock phrases for precautionary and hazard statements, which have been classified and assigned to certain codes. Thus, all precautionary statements are divided into five groups:

P1xx: general precautionary statement (For example, P102: Keep out of reach of children)
P2xx: prevention precautionary statement (For example, P222: Do not allow contact with air)
P3xx: response precautionary statement (For example, P315: Get immediate medical advice/attention)
P4xx: storage precautionary statement (For example, P410: Protect from sunlight)
P5xx: disposal precautionary statement (For example, P501: Dispose of contents/container to)

All hazard statements are divided into three groups:
H2xx: Physical hazards (For example, H220: Extremely flammable gas)
H3xx: Health hazards (For example, H303: May be harmful if swallowed)
H4xx: Environmental hazards (For example, H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects)

It is also possible to use different phrase combinations. For example:
P333 + P313: If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention
H302 + H312: Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin

Any of these standard statements are readily available to SDS authoring software user with a click of a button. Each statement is only appropriate for certain hazard categories and the software usually provides suggested statements based on hazard assignments. Typical hazards for mixtures can be estimated using standard calculations based on the properties of ingredients. Such ultimate language standardization also significantly simplifies translation of SDS into different languages as the majority of text can be automatically translated.

However, SDS authoring software users are still required to make many manual entries into the software, which requires good fundamental and practical knowledge on potential hazards of chemicals. Analysis of relevant publicly available data on chemicals, which is often not included or updated by software, may also take a lot of time. There are often specific hazards for certain products, which are not usually captured by software, but should be included by experienced SDS author. 

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SDS authoring software is readily available for purchase from many suppliers, but it is not only the price of the software that should be taken into account, but also significant time and training required for the users to be able to generate fully compliant SDS for the products. At the end, it could be more efficient to use outsourcing. Thus, the cost of authoring service for a fully compliant SDS by productSDS Global SDS Authoring Center is very affordable with special lower rates for similar or multiple products.