Resources
SDS & GHS Glossary
Plain-language definitions for the GHS, CLASS 2013 and SS 586 terms you'll see across our site — alphabetized for quick reference. Have a specific question instead? Check our FAQ, or browse all resources.
CAS Number
A unique numeric identifier assigned to a chemical substance by the Chemical Abstracts Service, used to avoid confusion between similarly named chemicals.
CIMS
Chemical Information Management System — the DOSH platform Malaysian employers use to report hazardous chemical inventories under CLASS 2013.
CLASS 2013
Malaysia's Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals Regulations 2013 — the regulation requiring bilingual SDS for hazardous chemicals.
DOSH
The Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Malaysia's regulator for workplace chemical safety, under the Ministry of Human Resources.
GHS
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals — the UN framework that standardizes the 16-section SDS format worldwide.
Hazard Pictogram
A GHS symbol, such as a flame or skull and crossbones, that visually indicates a specific hazard class on labels and SDS.
Hazard Statement
A standardized GHS phrase describing the nature of a substance's hazard, for example “Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.”
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet — the older, pre-GHS term for what is now formally called an SDS. See our SDS vs MSDS guide for the full comparison.
MyEHS
Malaysia's My Environment, Health and Safety platform, used for chemical import/export declarations and inventory reporting.
OEL
Occupational Exposure Limit — the maximum permitted airborne concentration of a substance a worker can be exposed to, typically found in SDS Section 8.
PDPA
Personal Data Protection Act — the data privacy law in force in both Malaysia (2010) and Singapore (2012), each administered separately.
Precautionary Statement
A standardized GHS phrase recommending measures to minimize or prevent harmful exposure, for example “Wear protective gloves.”
SDS
Safety Data Sheet — the current, GHS-standardized 16-section document required under both CLASS 2013 and SS 586.
Signal Word
“Danger” or “Warning” — the GHS term used on a label and SDS to indicate the relative severity of a hazard.
SS 586
Singapore Standard 586 — the GHS-aligned standard governing SDS structure and hazard communication in Singapore.
UN Number
A four-digit number that identifies a hazardous material for transport purposes, listed in SDS Section 14.
WSH Act
Singapore's Workplace Safety and Health Act — the overarching legislation under which SS 586 and hazard communication requirements sit.
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