Singapore SDS Authoring

National Regulations Governing SDSs

The legislation for Singapore’s chemical regulations of SDS preparation mainly falls under the Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006 (WSHA), Regulation 43. Due to Singapore’s implementation of the UN GHS based system they have released Singapore Standard SS CP 586 (Standard on Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods) to provide guidance. Part 3 of SS CP 586 specifically relates to SDS preparation.

Additional Regulations

There are additional regulations under the WSHA’s subsidiary legislation relating to issues such as risk assessments, proper storage, usage, handling and disposal and warning notices. Part 1 SS CP 586 provides information and guidelines on the transportation of dangerous goods, while part 2 outlines the labeling of chemicals for GHS according to Singapore’s adaptions. In Singapore there are five main authorities that govern Chemical regulation, standards and enforcement:

  • Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
    • safeguards persons at work against hazardous substances
  • National Environment Agency (NEA)
    • regulates prescribed hazardous substances and environmental issues
  • Singapore Police Force
    • regulates explosives
  • Singapore Civil Defense Force
    • regulates prescribed flammable substances
  • Maritime and Port Authority
    • Responsible for dangerous goods held in ports

In 2014, Singapore updated SS586 to align with the 4th edition of GHS. All manufacturers, suppliers of single and mixture substances, as well as users of single substances, must comply by 1 July. Users of mixtures received an extension until 1 July 2016. (Source: 3ecompany)

GHS Implementation Status

Singapore has adopted the UN GHS system. Since 1 Jul 2016, companies were required to adhere to GHS requirements. When Singapore launched its SS CP 586 in 2008 they outlined GHS implantation deadlines for single substances and mixtures. All chemical manufacturers and Suppliers have to apply GHS standards out lined in SS 586 to SDS and labels for single substances, and by mid 2015 for mixtures. For more information please refer to the Workplace Safety and Health Council.