Understanding Product Labels and Safety Data Sheets
Products such as herbicides, and pesticides come with important safety information, including a product label and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
A product label explains how the product may be used. For pesticides, the label is reviewed by regulatory agencies and must be followed by law. It includes directions for where, when, and how the product can be applied, required protective equipment, environmental precautions, first aid, storage, and disposal instructions.
A Safety Data Sheet, or SDS, provides additional safety information for workers, contractors, emergency responders, and others who may handle the product. It includes details about ingredients, potential hazards, safe handling, spill response, storage, and emergency procedures.
The label and SDS serve different purposes. The label explains proper and legal use, while the SDS explains safe handling and emergency response. SDS documents often describe hazards related to concentrated products or unusual situations, such as spills or improper handling. These warnings do not necessarily reflect the level of risk when a product is properly applied according to the label.
Our landscape contractors are trained to follow product labels, SDS guidance, and all applicable regulations when storing, handling, and applying landscape products.
