The Significance of MSDS (SDS) Sheets for Candle Makers: Understanding their Purpose and Importance
We are proud to announce that we are among the first candle-making supply companies in Canada to fully comply with Health Canada regulations. In this article, we will guide you through the changes, address any concerns you may have, and provide essential safety tips to ensure your experience with our fragrance oils is both delightful and safe.
Understanding the Significance of MSDS (SDS) Sheets for Candle Makers
SDS sheets are designed for employees who may have prolonged exposure to the product. While most customers won't have the same level of exposure, it's still important to exercise caution. Common hazards mentioned in SDS sheets include potential harm if swallowed or in contact with skin. However, rest assured that our fragrance oils are safe when handled properly.
For candle makers, an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or SDS (Safety Data Sheet) provides crucial information about the fragrance oils they use. It outlines the ingredients, potential hazards, flash point, first aid measures, safe storage practices, and more. Let's break down the key sections of an SDS sheet to gain a better understanding.
We now provide an email with the SDS sheets attached for every fragrance oil you purchase from us. While these sheets can seem overwhelming at first, they contain crucial information regarding potential hazards and necessary precautions.
Sections of an SDS Sheet
Section 1: Basic Information
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 2: Hazard Classifications
Describes the potential hazards associated with the fragrance oil, including any harm that may occur if ingested, inhaled, or in contact with skin. It also specifies actions to avoid and what to do if these hazards occur.
Section 3: Ingredient List
Lists the ingredients present in the fragrance oil, along with their respective percentages and hazardous classifications.
Section 4: First Aid Measures
Provides detailed instructions for handling incidents such as inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, or ingestion. It outlines symptoms, necessary medical attention, and special treatments.
Section 5: Fire Safety
Guides you on how to handle the oil if it catches fire.
Section 6: Environmental Spill
Provides instructions on how to handle and clean up the oil if a spill occurs.
Section 7: Safe Storage
Explains proper storage practices to maintain the oil's quality and prevent accidents.
Section 8: Personal Protection
Informs you about safe exposure levels to certain ingredients and suggests protective measures when working with the oil.
Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
Covers the oil's properties, including the flash point and its expected colour.
Section 10: Stability and Reactivity
Discusses the oil's stability and potential reactions with other substances.
Section 11: Toxicity Testing
Indicates the toxicity of each ingredient based on previous animal testing. Note that 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: Environmental Impact
Highlights the oil's impact on the environment.
Section 13: Disposal Guidelines
Provides instructions on how to safely dispose of the oil.
Section 14: Safe Transportation
Explains the proper procedures for transporting the oil safely.
Section 15: Regulatory Compliance
Ensures that the oil adheres to relevant regulations.
Section 16: Additional Information
Contains any additional information provided by the manufacturer regarding the oil.
Health Canada Compliance and Updated Labels
As part of our commitment to providing high-quality products, you may have noticed the updated labels on our fragrance oils. This change ensures that our customers are well-informed about the contents and potential hazards associated with each product.
Safety Precautions
To ensure your safety, we recommend taking a few precautions when working with our fragrance oils. These include:
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Wearing gloves: Protect your skin from direct contact with the oils.
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Working in a well-ventilated area: Adequate ventilation helps disperse any fumes or vapours.
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Eye protection: Consider wearing goggles to prevent accidental contact with your eyes.
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Keep out of the reach of children: Store your fragrance oils safely away from curious hands.
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No eating or drinking: Avoid any accidental ingestion of the oils during your creative process.
Key Information on SDS Sheets
Apart from hazards, SDS sheets provide valuable information such as:
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Ingredient list: Know exactly what goes into our fragrance oils.
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Proper storage: Learn the best practices for storing your oils to maintain their quality.
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Disposal guidelines: Understand how to dispose of oils safely and responsibly.
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Emergency procedures: Be prepared for any major spills or accidents.
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Flash point: An essential detail for candle-making, as it indicates the temperature at which the oil is likely to ignite.
Understanding the Significance of an IFRA Sheet for Candle Makers
In addition to SDS sheets, IFRA (International Fragrance Association) sheets are vital for candle makers. These sheets specify the safe percentage of a fragrance oil that can be used in different types of products. 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
Here's a breakdown of the products covered in each IFRA sheet section.
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.
Our Commitment to Quality
At Village Craft & Candle, we prioritise your safety and satisfaction. That's why we collaborate exclusively with the industry's finest fragrance oil manufacturers. These partners boast compliance and regulatory experts who ensure our oils not only smell amazing but are also safe for you to work with.
Conclusion
We appreciate the trust you place in Village Craft & Candle for all your candle-making needs. By complying with Health Canada regulations, updating our labels, and providing comprehensive SDS and IFRA sheets, we strive to offer the highest quality fragrance oils.
Remember, following safety tips and guidelines ensures you can create beautiful candles with peace of mind. Explore our range of all-natural fragrance oils and embark on your candle-making journey confidently. Happy crafting!
