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WHMIS overview

WHMIS: Safety data sheets (16 sections)

What an SDS is, the 16 sections in their required order, which sections workers use most, update rules, and the employer's duty to keep SDSs available.

  • 19 questions
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Safety data sheets (16 sections) · Question 1Score 0/0

Which SDS section tells you which fire extinguishing media are suitable and unsuitable?

Study reference: CCOHS OSH Answers: WHMIS fact sheets (revised 2026-05-28), Ch. 8 WHMIS – Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) — Sections 1 to 16, updates, availability, using an SDS

All 19 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

  1. Which SDS section tells you which fire extinguishing media are suitable and unsuitable?

    1. Section 9, Physical and chemical properties
    2. Section 7, Handling and storage
    3. Section 5, Fire-fighting measures
    4. Section 2, Hazard identification

  2. Which SDS sections should every worker read at minimum for an emergency?

    1. Sections 12, 13 and 14
    2. Sections 4, 5 and 6
    3. Sections 1, 15 and 16
    4. Sections 9, 10 and 11

  3. Who must be able to get the SDS for a hazardous product at work?

    1. Exposed workers and the safety committee
    2. Only outside inspectors
    3. Only the company owner
    4. Only the purchasing manager and the owner

  4. What does SDS stand for in WHMIS?

    1. Standard disposal system
    2. Safety data sheet
    3. Safe dosage summary
    4. Supplier delivery schedule

  5. How can you tell when an SDS was last revised?

    1. Check the date in Section 16
    2. Look at the delivery receipt
    3. Check the date in Section 1
    4. Ask the product's sales representative

  6. Which SDS section lists exposure limits, engineering controls and personal protective equipment?

    1. Section 8, Exposure controls/personal protection
    2. Section 10, Stability and reactivity
    3. Section 14, Transport information
    4. Section 3, Composition/information on ingredients

  7. Compared with the label, the SDS gives:

    1. Only the price and supplier name
    2. Only information for firefighters
    3. More detailed hazard and safety information
    4. Less information, in a shorter and simpler form

  8. A drum leaks onto the floor. Which SDS section explains containment and clean-up?

    1. Section 4, First-aid measures
    2. Section 12, Ecological information
    3. Section 15, Regulatory information
    4. Section 6, Accidental release measures

  9. A supplier tells a buyer the SDS can be downloaded from its website and sends only the link. Does this meet the rules?

    1. No, a link alone is not acceptable
    2. Yes, if the buyer has internet access
    3. Only for products under 100 mL
    4. Yes, a website link is enough

  10. You want to confirm that the product in your hand matches the SDS. Which section do you check first?

    1. Section 9, Physical and chemical properties
    2. Section 14, Transport information
    3. Section 16, Other information
    4. Section 1, Identification

  11. How many sections does a WHMIS safety data sheet have?

    1. 9
    2. 12
    3. 16
    4. 20

  12. An SDS for an odourless liquid shows "Odour: not applicable." What does that mean?

    1. The section was left blank by mistake
    2. The item does not apply to this product
    3. The product has a dangerous odour
    4. The supplier could not find the data

  13. You need to know which materials must never be stored near a product and what conditions to avoid. Section 7 refers you on. Which section has the reactivity details?

    1. Section 10, Stability and reactivity
    2. Section 13, Disposal considerations
    3. Section 11, Toxicological information
    4. Section 9, Physical and chemical properties

  14. A co-worker splashes a product in their eye. Which SDS section gives the first-aid steps?

    1. Section 4, First-aid measures
    2. Section 10, Stability and reactivity
    3. Section 13, Disposal considerations
    4. Section 6, Accidental release measures

  15. Which SDS sections must have headings but may be left without information by the supplier in Canada?

    1. Sections 5 to 8
    2. Sections 12 to 15
    3. Sections 1 to 4
    4. Sections 9 to 11

  16. Your workplace keeps SDSs only on a computer. Which condition must be met?

    1. Workers must pay to print copies
    2. The SDSs must be in one language only
    3. Workers are trained on it and can ask for paper
    4. The computer must be in the owner's office

  17. After becoming aware of significant new data, within how many days must a supplier update its SDS?

    1. 180 days
    2. 3 years
    3. 30 days
    4. 90 days

  18. Where on the SDS will you find safe storage conditions, including incompatible materials?

    1. Section 5, Fire-fighting measures
    2. Section 16, Other information
    3. Section 1, Identification
    4. Section 7, Handling and storage

  19. Which SDS section lists the hazard classification, signal word and hazard statements?

    1. Section 11, Toxicological information
    2. Section 2, Hazard identification
    3. Section 3, Composition
    4. Section 8, Exposure controls

Safety data sheets (16 sections): key rules to remember

Our summary of what the official handbook says on this topic, in our own words. Read it before or after the practice questions above, then check the original chapter. Read the official chapter ↗

What is an SDS?

  • Summary document on a product's hazards and safety precautions; usually written by manufacturer/supplier; must be provided by the supplier at the time of sale. Employer may have to prepare one (product made and used exclusively in that workplace).
  • More detailed than the label. Tells users the hazards, safe use, what happens if advice is not followed, symptoms of exposure, what to do in emergencies.
  • Every hazardous product for use, handling or storage in a Canadian workplace must have an SDS.
  • Must be in English and French (one bilingual SDS or two; if two, both given at same time).

The 16 sections (required order)

  • Emergency phone number need not be Canadian; restrictions (hours, language) must be stated.

Delivery and updates

  • Supplier gives SDS on paper or electronically (email attachment, USB). Only giving a website link is not acceptable.
  • Supplier must update within 90 days of becoming aware of significant new data; no more 3-year update rule (WHMIS 1988). Not required to send updates to past buyers.
  • Employer side varies: Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, NB, PEI, Quebec — update within 90 days when significant new info; federal, BC, SK, NL, NWT, NS, NU, YT — employer must seek updated SDS every three years.
  • Check Section 16 revision date to see if an SDS has been updated.

Employer duties

  • Every hazardous product has an up-to-date SDS when it enters the workplace; readily available to exposed workers and the health and safety committee/representative.
  • Electronic SDS allowed if all workers have access and are trained, devices kept working, and paper copy provided on request.

Using an SDS

  • Four purposes: identification, hazards, prevention, response.
  • Workers should always: read name (Section 1), know hazards (Section 2), understand handling and storage (Section 7), know emergency steps (Sections 4, 5, 6).
  • Match product name on container to SDS Section 1; check intended use matches Section 1, else ask supervisor.
  • "Not available" = information could not be found or does not exist; "Not applicable" = not relevant (e.g., odour of an odourless product). Avoid undefined "n.a."
  • SDS may not be specific to your workplace (e.g., says a respirator is needed but not which type) — ask supervisor.

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