True or False: The information contained in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is largely the same as the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

The statement is true because the information contained in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is fundamentally aligned in purpose. Both documents are designed to provide essential information about hazardous substances and chemicals, including handling, storage, exposure risks, and safety measures.

However, the SDS represents an updated format that complies with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), which standardizes the content and presentation of safety information across different regions and industries. While the core elements—such as hazard identification, composition, and safety measures—are present in both SDS and MSDS, the SDS format is more comprehensive and often more user-friendly, containing 16 standardized sections that are designed to be consistent regardless of the chemical involved.

Understanding that the SDS is essentially a refined version of the MSDS helps clarify why the assertion holds true. This transition emphasizes increased safety and compliance within workplaces handling chemicals, aligning with modern safety practices.