(Data sheets / safety data sheets)

Within the scope of food safety/hygiene, the use of chemical products used as disinfectants, soaps, detergents, etc, is necessary to preserve the environment pollution-free. However, if the use of these products is inadequate, these may involve risks, so the data and safety sheets that come with them are important for a proper application. What do these documents consist of?

• Data sheet
• Safety data sheet

These documents are very valuable and absolutely necessary, as they inform about the features and proper use of the product we are using. This is the mandatory information we must demand from our suppliers and, in turn, this information must be known by all the personnel from the company, involved in the storage and use of the chemicals.

Data sheet:

A document containing the description of the technical features of the product, with sufficient detail so it can be properly used.

Contents may vary depending on the product, but in general they contain data such as:

1. Product name and composition;
2. Product general description, use, and function;
3. Physical and chemical properties: odor, color, state, pH, density, etc;
4. Stability conditions: freezing/boiling/freezing, solubility, compatibility points, etc;
5. Product presentation form;
6. Directions: where and how to perform the application, safety period, application incompatibilities, application dosage, recommended personal protective equipment, etc., and

In general, a data sheet is a truly useful element as a presentation of the product we are interested in.

The Safety Data Sheet

A document indicating the attributes and properties of a certain substance for the most adequate use. Its main purpose is protecting the physical integrity of the operator during the handling of the substance.

This document is developed in accordance with the provisions of Part 9 of NOM-018-STPS-2015, which establishes a “harmonized system for the identification and communication of hazards and risks due to hazardous chemical substances in the workplace”, informing us about the hazards identified in the product and the risks to health and safety derived from its use. This includes, among other aspects, the properties and hazards of the material, how to safely use it, and what to do in case of an emergency. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for understanding and interpreting the information submitted.

Safety data sheets are essential for the development of comprehensive programs for the safe use and handling of materials. Its information is organized into 16 sections, according to NOM-018-STPS-2015.

1. SECTION I. Identification of the chemical substance or mixture. Name of the substance or mixture, recommended use, details of the supplier or manufacturer and emergency telephone numbers.
2. SECTION II. Hazard identification. Classification of the substance or mixture, signaling elements (pictograms).
3. SECTION III. Composition/information on the components. Identification on the components (substance identification, common name, CAS identification number, impurities, additives, etc).
4. SECTION IV. First aid. Description of first aids, symptoms and most important effects.
5. SECTION V. Fire-fighting measures. Adequate extinguishing media and specific hazards.
6. SECTION VI. Steps to be taken in case of an accidental spills or leaks. Personal and environmental precautions, protection equipment, procedures and materials for containment and cleaning of spills.
7. SECTION VII. Handling and storage. Precautions and conditions for safe storage.
8. SECTION VIII. Controls for exposure/personal protection. Control parameters and individual protection measures.
9. SECTION IX. Physical and chemical properties. Appearance, odor, color, pH, density, etc.
10. SECTION X. Stability and reactivity. Reactivity, chemical stability, possibility of hazardous reactions, conditions to avoid, incompatible materials, and hazardous decomposition products.
11. SECTION XI. Toxicological information. Possible routes of entry, symptoms and effects.
12. SECTION XII. Ecotoxicological information. Toxicity, persistence, adverse effects, etc.
13. SECTION XIII. Information regarding product disposal. Description of disposal methods, including disposal of contaminated containers.
14. SECTION XIV. Information regarding the transport.
15. SECTION XV. Regulatory information. Specific provisions on safety, health and the environment for the hazardous chemicals or mixtures involved.
16. SECTION XVI. Other information included those related to the development and updating of the safety data sheets.

The marketing manager of a chemical product (supplier) must provide these documents free of charge, and forward them whenever there are modifications, in an attempt to reduce labor and environmental risks.

It is important to demand and control that each product used has its own updated technical sheets and safety data sheets, and that these become an important part of the management system of the company.

We cannot forget either the required training of all the people involved in the handling and use of these products, so that they are able to properly understand and use these two technical documents, depending on the circumstances.

For such reason, Eleven Rivers performs weekly assessments on the existence of such documents from all chemicals used throughout the entire production chain of fresh produce, such as, for example; agrochemicals, cleaning products, water treatment products, for direct contact with the product and for living and inert surfaces to all member companies of the Veggies From Mexico community.