In accordance with Annex II to the REACH Regulation, Section 10 of the Safety Data Sheet should include the following subsections:

SDS Subsection 10.1 – Reactivity

 

Information on the ability of the product to undergo chemical reactions – e.g., with water, air or other substances. Indicates whether the product may be reactive under certain conditions.

SDS Subsection 10.2 – Chemical Stability

 

Concerns the stability of the substance or mixture under normal conditions of use and storage. Includes data on the product’s sensitivity to temperature, light, or the passage of time. May specify any stabilizers required for use.

SDS Subsection 10.3 – Possibility of Hazardous Reactions

 

Description of potential violent reactions accompanied by hazardous phenomena such as the release of large amounts of heat, toxic gases, or pressure increase. Examples: exothermic polymerization, reactions with oxidizers.

SDS Subsection 10.4 – Conditions to Avoid

 

Identifies factors that may trigger unwanted reactions or degradation of the product accompanied by loss of its performance properties, for example high temperature, sparks, moisture, or UV radiation.

SDS Subsection 10.5 – Incompatible Materials

 

Lists the types of materials with which contact may lead to reactions – e.g., acids, bases, light metals, depending on the product. Where appropriate, also describes measures to be taken to manage the risk.

SDS Subsection 10.6 – Hazardous Decomposition Products

 

A list of hazardous decomposition products that may form upon release or during use of the product.

Why is Section 10 of the Safety Data Sheet so important?

 

✅ User Safety - Knowledge of the product’s reactivity enhances protection of workers against unwanted hazardous reactions.

✅ Storage and Transport - Information from this section facilitates safe storage of the substance alongside other materials.

What does this mean in practice?

 

When you prepare or update a Safety Data Sheet, strive to include in Section 10 as precise a description as possible of the hazards arising from the product’s reactivity. In many cases this risk is very limited, but for products such as strong acids or powerful oxidizers the situation may be significantly different. If you use the product, do not overlook reading Section 10 of the Safety Data Sheet— the information provided here will help you make informed decisions about storing the product as safely as possible.