🔍 Section 9 of the Safety Data Sheet – Physical and chemical properties
The Importance of Section 9 in the Safety Data Sheet
Section 8 of the Safety Data Sheet is one of the most important sources of information on the protection of workers' health and occupational safety when working with hazardous substances. It expands on the information presented earlier in the safety data sheet, focusing on exposure-limiting measures and personal protective equipment.
The purpose of this section is to provide detailed guidance that helps minimize risks associated with the use of chemicals in the workplace and to meet legal requirements related to health and environmental protection.
What does Section 9 of the safety data sheet include?
According to Annex II of the REACH Regulation (as amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/878), Section 9 of the safety data sheet for a chemical substance should include:
Subsection 9.1 of Safety Data Sheet - Information on basic physical and chemical properties
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Physical state (solid, liquid, gas)
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Colour
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Odour
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Odour threshold
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pH
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Melting/freezing point
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Initial boiling point and boiling range
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Flash point
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Evaporation rate
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Flammability (for solids and gases)
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Upper and lower flammability or explosive limits
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Vapour pressure
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Vapour density
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Relative density
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Solubility
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Partition coefficient n-octanol/water (log Kow)
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Auto-ignition temperature
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Decomposition temperature
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Viscosity
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Explosive properties
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Oxidising properties
Not all data are equally relevant in every case. Some parameters (e.g. flash point, oxidising properties) directly impact safety, while others – such as colour or odour – help in identifying the substance or mixture.
9.2 Other information:
This section may include additional physicochemical data relevant to the safe use of the substance, such as:
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Rate of degradation
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Electrical conductivity
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Corrosive properties to metals
Why are the data points in Section 9 of the safety data sheet so important?
A properly completed Section 9 of the chemical safety data sheet has a direct impact on the following aspects:
🔹 Hazard assessment – physicochemical properties are the basis for classification of substances, e.g. in terms of flammability or explosiveness.
🔹 Safe storage and transport – for instance, data on flash point and vapour pressure help determine storage requirements.
🔹 Selection of personal protective equipment – information on viscosity or pH influences the choice of protective gear.
🔹 Regulatory compliance – incorrect data may result in misclassification, which can lead to administrative penalties or legal liability.
What Does This Mean in Practice for Safety Data Sheet use?
🔎 The data in Section 9 of the safety data sheet must be:• up to date,• reliable,• based on verified sources (e.g. test results, scientific literature, supplier data).
🔎 In the case of mixtures, physicochemical properties must refer to the actual product, not to individual components.
🔎 For some types of products, specific testing may be required (e.g. to determine flash point or viscosity).
Summary
Section 9 of the safety data sheet is one of the most important parts of the document. It is responsible for:
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reliable hazard assessment,
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correct classification of chemicals,
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ensuring safety throughout the supply chain.
If you are creating or updating a safety data sheet, make sure that the physicochemical data are complete, consistent, and in line with the current state of knowledge. They affect not only user safety but also legal compliance.
Do you want to ensure that your safety data sheet meets regulatory requirements?Contact us – we will check whether Section 9 and other parts of your SDS are compliant with current legislation.
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