Overview
ISO/TS 13329:2024 - "Nanomaterials - Preparation of safety data sheets (SDS)" is a Technical Specification that provides supplemental guidance to ISO 11014 for preparing Safety Data Sheets specifically for manufactured nanomaterials and products that contain them. It aims to improve consistency and completeness in communicating safety, health and environmental information for nanoforms, taking account of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and the particular challenges of nanoscale materials (1–100 nm).
Key topics and requirements
- SDS structure and content - Guidance mapped to standard SDS sections (identification; hazard identification; composition; first‑aid; fire‑fighting; accidental release; handling & storage; exposure controls & PPE; physical/chemical properties; stability/reactivity; toxicology; ecotoxicology; disposal; transport; regulatory and other information).
- Nano‑specific information - Recommendations to include nanoform descriptors (e.g., nanoparticle, nanofibre, agglomerate, aggregate), size range, surface area, crystallinity, dustiness, biodurability/biopersistence and potential for release of nano‑objects (NOAA).
- Precautionary approach and hierarchy of controls - Emphasis on communicating risks and risk‑management measures even when hazard data are limited; advise providing an SDS for nano‑containing products unless evidence demonstrates non‑hazard or no possibility of nano‑release.
- Cut‑off values and concentration limits - Supplemental guidance on reporting concentrations and cut‑off rules when nanoforms are present.
- Measurement and test references - Links to informative methods and standards (e.g., ISO/TR 13014) to support characterization and exposure assessment.
Practical applications and users
ISO/TS 13329 is intended for:
- Manufacturers and formulators preparing SDSs for nanomaterials or nano‑enabled products.
- SDS authors and regulatory compliance teams needing to align SDS content with nano‑specific hazards and disclosure expectations.
- Occupational health & safety professionals, industrial hygienists and downstream users who rely on SDSs for risk assessment and control decisions.
- Regulators and transport authorities assessing labeling, classification and communication of nano‑related hazards.
Practical benefits include clearer hazard communication, improved workplace safety, better support for exposure control decisions, and consistency across jurisdictions adopting GHS-aligned SDS requirements.
Related standards
- ISO 11014 - Preparation of safety data sheets (baseline SDS standard)
- ISO 80004-1 - Nanotechnologies - Vocabulary (core terms)
- GHS (UN) - Classification and labelling of chemicals
- ISO/TR 13014 - Example measurement methods and standards for nanomaterials