Choosing the Right Protection: What Section 8 of the SDS Really Tells You
Section 8 of the Safety Data Sheet often reads like a checklist:
“Wear gloves.” “Use local exhaust ventilation.” “Avoid breathing vapours.”
Simple? Not quite.
Behind each of those short lines lies a world of detail: exposure scenarios, toxicological thresholds, and regulatory expectations. For SHEQ managers, Section 8 isn’t a formality. It’s the foundation of a safe workplace.
Why Section 8 Exists
Section 8 (Exposure Controls / Personal Protection) is the bridge between hazard information and real-world risk management.
It answers one question:
“Given the hazards of this substance or mixture, what must I do to keep exposure under control?”
Under REACH, suppliers must describe appropriate control measures and protective equipment based on the chemical’s DNELs, OELs, and use patterns. That makes Section 8 the go-to place for everything from ventilation needs to glove types and respirator classes.
The Building Blocks of Section 8
Let’s unpack what this section contains and why each part matters.
1. Control Parameters
This is where you’ll find exposure limits:
- DNELs (Derived No-Effect Levels) – health-based limits under REACH
- OELs (Occupational Exposure Limits) – regulatory limits set by national authorities
These numbers are your reference points. They define what “safe exposure” means. SHEQ managers use them to compare with workplace measurements, ensuring control measures are effective.
If DNELs or OELs are missing, be cautious. It might indicate a low-quality SDS or a need for manual lookup.
2. Exposure Controls
Here the SDS moves from numbers to action. You’ll see recommendations such as:
- Engineering controls: local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, fume hoods
- Administrative controls: work rotation, training, hygiene rules
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, goggles, respirators, protective clothing
Each recommendation should be specific. Vague instructions (“use suitable gloves”) don’t help. For true compliance, you need materials, breakthrough times, and test standards.
PPE: More Than a Box to Tick
The PPE part of Section 8 is often treated as a formality, but it’s one of the most practical tools for SHEQ managers.
Gloves
Choosing the right gloves depends on:
- Chemical resistance (permeation test data)
- Breakthrough time (duration of safe use)
- Material type (nitrile, neoprene, butyl rubber…)
- Standard compliance (EN ISO 374)
A note of caution: If the SDS simply says “use protective gloves,” that’s not enough. You need specific material recommendations for meaningful protection.
Respiratory Protection
Section 8 should indicate:
- Type of filter (e.g., A2 for organic vapours, P3 for particulates)
- Respirator class (FFP2, half-mask, full-face)
- When it’s needed (e.g., during spills, confined spaces, or insufficient ventilation)
For airborne hazards, check that the recommended PPE aligns with the OEL or DNEL values listed earlier.
Eye/Face Protection
Look for EN 166 compliance, and ensure compatibility with other PPE.
In splash-prone processes, goggles or face shields aren’t optional; they’re critical.
From Data to Decisions
Section 8 isn’t just about compliance; it’s about decision-making.
Here’s how a SHEQ manager typically uses it:
- Identify exposure limits (DNELs/OELs)
- Measure actual exposure in the workplace
- Compare measured values with limits
- Select appropriate controls and PPE
- Train staff and verify effectiveness
It’s a continuous improvement loop, and Section 8 is your roadmap.
And when in doubt? Better safe than sorry.
Choosing a more conservative control measure or stricter PPE standard may feel cautious, but it’s the simplest way to stay ahead of risk.
When Section 8 Falls Short
Not every SDS gives you what you need. Some omit OELs. Others list only generic PPE advice without test standards or material details.
If the SDS wasn’t authored using a professional platform, critical data may be missing, forcing SHEQ managers to manually research exposure limits or consult PPE manufacturer data.
How NextSDS Closes the Gap
At NextSDS, we make sure you don’t have to fill in the blanks.
Our platform automatically extracts every component from the SDS and maps it to our extensive CAS database. From there, we enrich your dataset with:
- DNELs and OELs for each component
- Country-specific exposure limits
- Standardized PPE recommendations based on chemical compatibility
That means you can instantly see if Section 8 is complete, identify missing data, and make informed decisions about engineering controls or PPE without hours of manual searching.
For SHEQ managers, it’s the difference between reactive compliance and proactive protection.
Section 8 is where science meets safety: exposure limits (DNELs & OELs), control measures, and PPE all converge to protect workers.
With NextSDS, you can be confident the data you rely on is accurate, structured, and actionable.
Want to see how NextSDS can help you unlock the full value of Section 8? Get in touch with us.