What is a Chemical TDS?
TDS stands for Technical Data Sheet. It is a document used to describe a product's performance and provides guidance for its practical application.
What is the Difference Between TDS and SDS?
Hazardous chemicals require a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) during circulation. Through the SDS, recipients of chemicals can not only learn about the hazards of the product but also understand operational precautions, protective measures, spill handling methods, and other ways to protect human health and the environment. Many countries worldwide have adopted the United Nations' GHS (Globally Harmonized System) and, based on the building block approach, have further developed regulations with national characteristics to standardize and clarify the communication of hazardous chemical information. Therefore, the SDS focuses on highlighting the safety of the product and protecting human and environmental health, making it a mandatory regulatory document.
TDS is commonly used in product development and engineering applications to showcase product performance and guide usage. It is typically a non-mandatory technical document. A TDS is neither a test nor a certificate. Its main content includes product introduction, features, composition information, basic parameters, instructions for use, precautions, etc. The table below clearly illustrates the differences between TDS and SDS:
|
TDS |
SDS |
|
|
Full Name |
Technical Data Sheet |
Safety Data Sheet |
|
Document Type |
Technical Document |
Regulatory Document |
|
Mandatory |
Usually Non-Mandatory |
Mandatory |
|
Focus |
Performance and Application |
Safety |
|
Content |
Product introduction, features, composition information, basic parameters, instructions for use, precautions, and other information required by downstream users |
Chemical and company identification, hazard identification, composition/information on ingredients, first-aid measures, fire-fighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure controls/personal protection, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, ecological information, disposal considerations, transport information, regulatory information, other information, etc. |
Are There Regulatory Guidelines or Format Requirements for Preparing a TDS?
Companies can prepare and format the TDS based on the actual characteristics of the product. There are currently no national standards for reference.
What Should Be Considered When Preparing a TDS?
- Highlight the product's features and specifications, such as its type, specific uses, and scope of application.
- Showcase the product's actual technical performance, supported by test data.
- Clearly state the product hazards, which can be referenced from the SDS.
- Describe the product's usage methods, storage conditions, and precautions to guide practical application.
- Explain the disposal methods for the product after use.
- Address the needs of downstream users by including relevant information.
- When necessary, indicate that safety information should be referred to the SDS, creating a link between the TDS and SDS.
Is a Sample Required to Prepare a TDS?
No sample is required, but physicochemical data support is necessary. Companies may need to conduct tests on the sample's various parameters in advance.
