What is an MSDS (SDS) sheet to a candle maker?
What is an MSDS (SDS) sheet to a candle maker?
The main purpose for an SDS sheet for a candle maker is to tell them what ingredients are in the oil, what safety/health hazards might be associated with that oil, the flash point, any first aid measures that should be taken if the oil is ingested, inhaled, gets on your skin or in your eyes, as well as how to store the oil safely when not in use.
Candle makers who have other staff members working for them will need to have the SDS sheet on hand in order to be compliant with workplace safety regulations as well.
Information found on the SDS sheet by section:
Section 1
This section gives you basic information on the oil such as the name and product number of the oil, the name and contact information of the supplier and numbers to call in case of an emergency.
Section 2
This section provides classifications on how the fragrance may be hazardous (i.e. harmful if swallowed, if inhaled, comes in contact with skin, to aquatic life). This section also tells you what to avoid (i.e. release into environment) and what to do if one of these hazards occur (i.e. IF INHALED: Call a POISON CENTRE or doctor/physician if you feel unwell).
Section 3
This section lists the ingredients used to create the oil, the percentage of the composition made up of that ingredient, as well as the hazardous classification given to each ingredient.
Section 4
This section provides first aid measures that should be taken if the oil is inhaled, gets on skin, gets in eyes or is ingested. It lists symptoms that can occur if these things happen and any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
Section 5
This section tells you what to do if the oil catches on fire.
Section 6
This section tells you what to do if the oil gets spilled into the environment.
Section 7
This section tells you how to safely store the oil.
Section 8
This section tells you how much exposure to certain ingredients is safe as well as how to protect yourself when working with the oil.
Section 9
This section lists the physical and chemical properties of the oil. This is where you would find the flash point as well as what colour you can expect the oil to be.
Section 10
This section covers the stability and reactivity of the oil.
Section 11
This section covers how toxic each ingredient is based on animal testing of that particular ingredient. Please note: this testing was not done recently. These ingredients were tested on animals many years ago and the results were recorded and are still used. Our fragrance oil manufacturers banned animal testing on their products many years ago.
Section 12
This section gives information on how toxic the oil is to the environment.
Section 13
This section discusses how to dispose of the oil safely.
Section 14
This section states how to transport the oil safely.
Section 15
This section explains how the oil follows certain regulations.
Section 16
This section provides any additional information that the manufacturer has on the oil.
What is an IFRA sheet to a candle maker?
An IFRA sheet is used to determine what percentage of a fragrance oil can be used safely in a particular type of product. They are especially important for determining if the oil can be used safely in products that will be coming in contact with skin like massage candles or bath and body products.
We don’t recommend that you use any oil with a safe percentage amount less than 2% for bath and body products.
Products covered in each section of the IFRA sheet:
Section 1 - Lip products and toys
Section 2 - Deodorant & Antiperspirant
Section 3 - Make up and face wipe type products
Section 4 - Perfume type products
Section 5 - Products that are applied to the skin and remain on the skin (you don’t wash them off)
Section 6 - Products that go in your mouth (mouthwash and toothpaste)
Section 7 - Hair products
Section 8 - Wipes for your intimate area
Section 9 - Soaps and washes that go on your skin but are washed away
Section 10 - Cleaning products, reed diffusers, pot-pourri
Section 11 - Scented products that sit next to the skin (ie diapers, feminine hygiene products, scented socks and masks)
Section 12 - Air fresheners, candles, scented cat litter, laundry detergent, basically anything other type of product that is scented but the oil itself doesn’t come into direct contact with your skin.
