Section 4 of the SDS

In the SDS, SECTION 4: First aid measures comprises

4.1. Description of first aid measures
4.2. Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
4.3. Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed

If you are not a qualified first aider, you may find this section daunting to complete, particularly for high-hazard products.  There may be useful information in the REACH dossier on substances or component substances in a mixture.  As well as talking to people who handle the product regularly, you may also want to discuss this section with a qualified first aider in your company, or even a nurse or doctor who is competent in dealing with chemical hazards.

4.1. Description of first aid measures

It is recommended that you use the following sub-headings for first aid measures, which are based on the P statements.  You can use P statements here which apply to the substance or mixture, whether or not they have been included on the label, and this can also help with translating the SDS into other languages.

If inhaled:                                  list relevant first aid instructions. 

If on skin (or hair):                     list relevant first aid instructions.

If in eyes:                                  list relevant first aid instructions.

If swallowed:                             list relevant first aid instructions.

Other first aid advice:                either “no other first aid advice”, or (if required) any of following

•  whether immediate medical attention is required 
• whether delayed effects can be expected after exposure (give details of delayed effects) 
• whether the exposed individual should be moved from the area to fresh air 
• whether removal and handling of clothing and shoes from the individual is recommended 
• whether personal protective equipment for first aid responders is recommended (give details e.g. gloves)

Don’t forget to include any specific information, e.g whether mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is to be avoided (for example if someone has breathed in cyanides) etc.

Important: products which attract the classification Aspiration Toxicity, Category 1,  H304, May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways, have the combined P Statement P301 + P310 +P331) “IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTRE/doctor/…  Do NOT induce vomiting”.  It is essential that the instruction “Do NOT induce vomiting” is included in the first aid section, as doing this for an H304-classified material could be fatal, as it will allow the product to be aspirated into the lungs.

4.2. Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed

Symptoms: either no adverse health effects anticipated, or summarise most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed, from exposure

4.3. Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed

Medical treatment:  include information for first aiders and medical professionals here.  If special urgent treatment required in workplace, state which equipment should be available and/or what training may be required for first responders.  Include information on clinical testing and medical monitoring for delayed effects, specific details of antidotes and contraindications.  If not applicable, state “not applicable”.