Guidance for Preparing Safety Data Sheets According to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals for Pest Control Products in Canada

Pest Management Regulatory Agency
30 January 2018

This document, produced by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), aims to help registrants of pest control products prepare Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (previously called "material safety data sheets" or MSDSs) according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classifying and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) by providing guidance on the expected format and content of GHS-consistent SDSs^{Footnote 1} for registered pest control products in Canada.

SDSs are an important part of communicating the hazards associated with pest control products and other chemicals. The SDS format found in Table 1.5.2 of the GHS^{Footnote 2} has become the international standard format for SDSs used in workplaces, with some modifications for each regulatory jurisdiction.

SDSs are primarily for use by workers (for example, handlers, warehouse workers, agricultural workers, pre- and post-application workers, and vendors) in workplaces involved in pest control product application and handling. Registrants should keep this audience in mind when writing an SDS. However, registrants should also take into account that SDSs are commonly used by emergency responders (including health professionals), consumers, and those involved in the transportation of dangerous goods.

This guideline is intended for the voluntary adoption and use by all registrants with a pest control product registered in Canada.

To obtain a full copy of Guidance for Preparing Safety Data Sheets According to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals for Pest Control Products in Canada please contact our publications office.

If you have any questions about this guideline or how to implement it, contact the Pest Management Information Service.