A Technical Data Sheet, or TDS, describes how a product performs and how to use it. If the SDS answers 'is this safe and how do I handle it?', the TDS answers 'what is this for and how do I use it well?'
The difference between an SDS and a TDS
They are two separate documents with two different jobs. The SDS is a safety document required by regulation. The TDS is a performance document the manufacturer provides to help you get good results. Most products in this centre include both.
What a TDS usually contains
- What the product is designed for and where to use it
- Directions for use, including dilution rates and coverage
- Dry, cure, or contact (dwell) times
- Application methods - brush, roller, spray, fogging, and so on
- Compatibility notes and limitations
Why it matters on a project
The TDS is what guides correct use - for example, the dwell time a disinfectant needs to work, or how long a sealer must cure before the area is re-occupied. Used together, the SDS and TDS cover both the safety and the performance of a product.