Safety Data Sheets Authoring Specialist

The Safety Data Sheets Authoring Specialist course from the American Institute of Safety Professionals provides the technical competency to author Safety Data Sheets that comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), GHS classification requirements, and international SDS regulations. SDS authoring is a specialist skill that combines chemistry, toxicology, regulatory knowledge, and technical writing: the author must classify chemical hazards using GHS criteria, compile toxicological and physical/chemical data from authoritative sources, select correct hazard and precautionary statements (H-codes and P-codes), and present all 16 sections in the format that downstream users depend upon for safe handling, storage, and emergency response.

The curriculum covers GHS hazard classification (physical hazard classes, health hazard classes, environmental hazard classes, hazard categories, classification criteria and data requirements), the 16-section SDS format with authoring guidance for each section, H-statement and P-statement selection based on classification, data sourcing (toxicological databases, ECHA, test reports, published literature, bridging principles for mixtures), mixture classification (cut-off values, additivity, worst-case), quality assurance and review processes, multi-jurisdictional compliance awareness (US, EU, Canada, GCC, Asia-Pacific), SDS management (revision triggers, version control, distribution), and the relationship between SDS and GHS labels.

All training is delivered 100 percent online through leading delivery platforms and the American Institute of Safety Professionals Learning Management System (LMS). On successful completion, you receive an American Institute of Safety Professionals certificate, a professional wallet card, and an official transcript, all employer-verifiable at amiosp.com/student-verifications.

Upon completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Classify chemical hazards using GHS criteria: applying the classification criteria for physical hazards (16 classes), health hazards (10 classes), and environmental hazards using test data, published literature, and calculation methods.
• Author all 16 sections of an SDS: Section 1 (Identification), Section 2 (Hazard Identification — classification, label elements, other hazards), Section 3 (Composition — ingredients, CAS numbers, concentration ranges), through Section 16 (Other Information), with the technical content and formatting required by OSHA 1910.1200.
• Select correct hazard and precautionary statements: matching H-statements to classified hazards, selecting P-statements for prevention, response, storage, and disposal, and the statement selection that communicates hazards accurately.
• Classify mixtures: applying cut-off values (concentration thresholds that trigger classification), additivity formulas (ATE for acute toxicity), bridging principles (for mixtures with similar compositions), and the mixture classification methodology when test data is unavailable.
• Manage SDS quality assurance: technical review, regulatory review, consistency checks (classification matches H-statements, H-statements match label elements, Section 2 matches Section 8), and the QA process that ensures SDS accuracy.
• Manage multi-jurisdictional compliance: understanding that GHS implementation varies by country (different revision adoption, different classification details), and the awareness needed to author SDS for international markets.

Core Topics

• GHS Classification: physical (16), health (10), environmental, categories, criteria
• 16-Section SDS Format: authoring guidance for each section
• Section 2 — Hazard Identification: classification, label elements, GHS pictograms
• Section 3 — Composition: CAS numbers, concentration ranges, trade secret provisions
• Section 8 — Exposure Controls/PPE: OELs, engineering controls, PPE recommendations
• Section 11 — Toxicological Information: acute toxicity, chronic effects, data sources
• H-Statements and P-Statements: selection based on classification, coding system
• Data Sourcing: ECHA, NIOSH, ACGIH, published literature, test reports
• Mixture Classification: cut-off values, additivity (ATE), bridging principles
• Quality Assurance: technical review, regulatory review, consistency checks
• Multi-Jurisdictional: US/EU/Canada/GCC differences, GHS revision adoption
• SDS Management: revision triggers, version control, distribution
• SDS and Labels: relationship between SDS content and GHS label elements

• Chemical manufacturers and distributors who must author SDS for their products
• SDS authors and technical writers in chemical companies
• Regulatory affairs professionals managing chemical compliance
• Safety professionals who review SDS for accuracy
• Chemical importers who must create SDS for imported products
• safetydatasheetpro.com professionals providing SDS authoring services

• No prior training required
• No academic degree required
• All instruction in English

Upon completion, graduates receive an American Institute of Safety Professionals certificate, wallet card, and transcript. Employer-verifiable at amiosp.com/student-verifications.

• Hazard Communication (SDS reading and HazCom compliance)
• SDS Authoring Specialist — YOU ARE HERE (SDS writing and GHS classification)
• Introduction to Hazardous Materials (hazmat awareness)
• Dangerous Goods Transportation (transport classification that aligns with GHS)

Participants receive online training delivered through leading delivery platforms and the institute's Learning Management System (LMS). Training is provided directly by American Institute of Safety Professionals as well as through its network of Accredited Training Providers (ATPs), all backed by expert instruction and official study materials. Assessments are conducted online, and successful participants are awarded internationally recognized certificates.

To suit individual needs and schedules, participants can access training through the student dashboard and choose from a range of flexible delivery options, including blended learning, e-learning, remote and distance learning, and face-to-face instruction.