Chemical translation for safety data sheets, process descriptions and laboratory reports
- ISO 17100 and ISO 9001, audited by DEKRA
- Specialist translators with a science background
- Figures, units and CAS numbers get a second reading
- Safety data sheets kept in their fixed legal structure
Chemical documents serve lab, plant and market
Chemistry texts come from three places: the lab, production and product safety. Each has its own reader. A lab report is read by researchers. A manual is read by plant staff. A safety data sheet reaches everyone who handles the substance. An error can cause a hazardous substance incident or block market access.
Examples of documents translated in chemistry:
- safety data sheets (SDS)
- technical documentation and manuals
- patent specifications and specialist texts
- laboratory reports and test documentation
- measurement reports and experiment descriptions
- process descriptions
Every chemistry file passes revision before delivery
- Enquiry
Send the file or a sample. Name the target country, because data sheets and labels follow its rules.
- Quote
A quote by standard line with a delivery date, without obligation.
- Translation
A specialist with a science background translates into their native language.
- Revision and delivery
A second specialist checks the text against the source before it goes out.
Send the file or a sample with the target language and purpose, and you will usually have a quote on the same working day.
Figures, units and CAS numbers get a second reading
ISO 17100 requires revision by a second qualified translator, and Eurolingua is certified to ISO 17100 and ISO 9001. The reviser compares translation and source word for word. In chemistry that includes figures, units, concentrations and CAS numbers. A decimal place in the wrong position can change how a mixture is classified.
Everyone involved is bound to confidentiality, and processing complies with the GDPR. For formulations or material ahead of a patent filing, a separate non-disclosure agreement can be signed.
Recurring data sheet phrases lower follow-up costs
Safety data sheets share a fixed structure and many recurring phrases. Translated segments are reused from the translation memory. Each revised version then costs less than the first. Billing is by volume, per standard line (Normzeile) of 50 to 55 characters including spaces. The language combination also counts. The units are explained under specialised translations.
Safety data sheets follow a fixed legal structure
In the EU, a safety data sheet follows Annex II of REACH, Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. It has 16 sections with fixed headings, from identification to other information. It must be supplied in an official language of each member state where the substance is sold. A sheet for a new market therefore needs a new language version.
Hazard and precautionary statements are not paraphrased. The CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 sets their official wording. Annexes III and IV list it in every EU language. The translation uses that wording as published. CLP implements the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS) in the EU. Labels follow the same language rule as the data sheet.
One substance can carry several names
A single compound often has a systematic IUPAC name, a trivial name and one or more trade names. Languages also form names differently, as the sodium example above shows. The CAS Registry Number identifies a substance independently of name and language. The translation has to use the name the target market uses, and keep it in every later version.
Formulas and symbols stay the same across languages, but the numbers around them do not. German uses the decimal comma and the point as thousands separator; English does the reverse. Read the wrong way, 1.000 g becomes one gram instead of a thousand.
The technical language of chemistry today is predominantly a mixture of terms and the dominant language of the discipline is English. However, the names of chemical elements, organic and inorganic compounds, unlike their symbols, often vary considerably in different linguistic regions. For example, although sodium is denoted by the symbol Na, linguistically the English term ‘sodium’ has become established, which derives from the Arabic suwwâd = ash of salt plants.
Overall, the technical language of chemistry comprises a very large number of terms.
In addition to technical terminology and nomenclature in the field of chemistry, the technical language of this scientific discipline stands out from that of related fields due to its use of chemical formulas and symbols.
Consequently, technical translations in chemistry place high demands on the translator’s skills.
Our qualified technical translators consistently render technical chemical texts, such as process descriptions, manuals, documentation, safety data sheets, measurement reports and experimental descriptions, in many language combinations. Among others, we offer technical translations in the field of chemistry in the following language combinations:
German-English, English-German, Polish-German, German-Russian, German-Italian, German-Slovenian.
Subject areas include analytics and process engineering
Translations in this field cover chemical engineering, technical chemistry, process engineering, analytics and laboratory technology. They also cover polymer science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, strength of materials and process control systems. Technical biochemistry, environmental and bioprocess engineering complete the list. The translators have a science background, with experience in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and chemical analysis.
Certificate of analysis, approval dossier, test specification: we translate other chemical documents too. Send the document.
Costs, data sheet languages and hazard statements
What does a chemical translation cost?
The language combination counts as well. Safety data sheets share many recurring phrases, and segments already translated are reused from the translation memory, so each revised version costs less than the first. The quote states the price per standard line and the delivery date.
Which language does a safety data sheet need?
An official language of each member state where the substance is sold, so a sheet for a new market needs a new language version. It follows Annex II of REACH, with 16 sections and fixed headings.
Are hazard and precautionary statements translated freely?
No. The CLP Regulation sets their official wording in every EU language, and the translation uses that wording as published. Labels follow the same language rule as the data sheet.
Can you classify a substance or compile the data sheet?
No. Under REACH and CLP that is the duty of the manufacturer, importer or supplier. The translation renders the finished sheet.
Send the file or a sample with the target language and purpose, and you will usually have a quote on the same working day.
Our specialist translators cover a wide range of industries and fields. Explore our other areas of expertise: