GHS precautionary statements

Precautionary statements form part of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).^[1] They are intended to form a set of standardized phrases giving advice about the correct handling of chemical substances and mixtures, which can be translated into different languages.^[2]^[3] As such, they serve the same purpose as the well-known S-phrases, which they are intended to replace.

Precautionary statements are one of the key elements for the labelling of containers under the GHS, along with:^[4]

an identification of the product;
one or more hazard pictograms (where necessary)
a signal word – either Danger or Warning – where necessary
hazard statements, indicating the nature and degree of the risks posed by the product
the identity of the supplier (who might be a manufacturer or importer)

Each precautionary statement is designated a code, starting with the letter P and followed by three digits. Statements which correspond to related hazards are grouped together by code number, so the numbering is not consecutive. The code is used for reference purposes, for example to help with translations, but it is the actual phrase which should appear on labels and safety data sheets.^[5] Some precautionary phrases are combinations, indicated by a plus sign " ". In several cases, there is a choice of wording, for example "Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray": the supplier or regulatory agency should choose the appropriate wording for the product concerned.

General precautionary statements

Note: "..." = to be specified

P101: If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.
P102: Keep out of reach of children.
P103: Read label before use.

Prevention precautionary statements

P201: Obtain special instructions before use.
P202: Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
P210: Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P211: Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source.
P220: Keep/Store away from clothing/.../combustible materials.
P221: Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles.
P222: Do not allow contact with air.
P223: Do not allow contact with water.
P230: Keep wetted with ...
P231: Handle and store contents under inert gas/...
P231 P232: Handle and store contents under inert gas. Protect from moisture
P232: Protect from moisture.
P233: Keep container tightly closed.
P234: Keep only in original container/packaging.
P235: Keep cool.
P235 P410: Keep cool. Protect from sunlight.
P240: Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241: Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/light/.../equipment.
P242: Use only non-sparking tools.
P243: Take precautionary measures to prevent static discharges.
P244: Keep valves and fittings free from grease and oil
P250: Do not subject to grinding/shock/.../friction.
P251: Pressurized container – Do not pierce or burn, even after use.
P260: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P262: Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
P263: Avoid contact during pregnancy and while nursing.
P264: Wash ... thoroughly after handling.
P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P272: Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P273: Avoid release to the environment.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P281: Use personal protective equipment as required.
P282: Wear cold insulating gloves and either face shield or eye protection.
P283: Wear fire resistant or flame retardant clothing.
P284: Wear respiratory protection.
P285: In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.

Response precautionary statements

P301: IF SWALLOWED:
P301 P310: IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P301 P312: IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
P301 P330 P331: IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P302: IF ON SKIN:
P302 P334: IF ON SKIN: Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages.
P302 P350: IF ON SKIN: Gently wash with soap and water.
P302 P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with soap and water.
P303: IF ON SKIN (or hair):
P303 P361 P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water [or shower].
P304: IF INHALED:
P304 P312: IF INHALED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
P304 P340: IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
P304 P341: IF INHALED: If breathing is difficult, remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
P305: IF IN EYES:
P305 P351 P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse continuously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P306: IF ON CLOTHING:
P306 P360: IF ON CLOTHING: Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes.
P307: IF exposed:
P307 P311: IF exposed: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P308: IF exposed or concerned:
P308 P311: IF exposed or concerned: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P308 P313: IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.
P309: IF exposed or you feel unwell:
P309 P311: IF exposed or you feel unwell: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P310: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P311: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P312: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
P313: Get medical advice/attention.
P314: Get Medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
P315: Get immediate medical advice/attention.
P320: Specific treatment is urgent (see ... on this label).
P321: Specific treatment (see ... on this label).
P322: Specific measures (see ... on this label).
P330: Rinse mouth.
P331: Do NOT induce vomiting.
P332: If skin irritation occurs:
P332 P313: If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P333: If skin irritation or a rash occurs:
P333 P313: If skin irritation or a rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P334: Immerse in cool water [or wrap in wet bandages].
P335: Brush off loose particles from skin.
P335 P334: Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages.
P336: Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected areas.
P337: If eye irritation persists:
P337 P313: If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention.
P338: Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P340: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
P341: If breathing is difficult, remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
P342: If experiencing respiratory symptoms:
P342 P311: If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P350: Gently wash with soap and water.
P351: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
P352: Wash with plenty of water.
P353: Rinse skin with water [or shower].
P360: Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes.
P361: Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
P361 P364: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
P362: Take off contaminated clothing.
P362 P364: Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
P363: Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
P364: And wash it before reuse.
P370: In case of fire:
P370 P376: In case of fire: Stop leak if safe to do so.
P370 P378: In case of fire: Use ... to extinguish.
P370 P380: In case of fire: Evacuate area.
P370 P380 P375: In case of fire: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion.
P371: In case of major fire and large quantities:
P371 P380 P375: In case of major fire and large quantities: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion.
P372: Explosion risk.
P373: DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches explosives.
P374: Fight fire with normal precautions from a reasonable distance.
P375: Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion.
P376: Stop leak if safe to do so.
P377: Leaking gas fire – do not extinguish unless leak can be stopped safely.
P378: Use ... to extinguish.
P380: Evacuate area.
P381: In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources.
P391: Collect spillage.

Storage precautionary statements

P401: Store in accordance with ...
P402: Store in a dry place.
P402 P404: Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container.
P403: Store in a well ventilated place.
P403 P233: Store in a well ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P403 P235: Store in a well ventilated place. Keep cool.
P404: Store in a closed container.
P405: Store locked up.
P406: Store in a corrosive resistant/... container with a resistant inner liner.
P407: Maintain air gap between stacks or pallets.
P410: Protect from sunlight.
P410 P403: Protect from sunlight. Store in a well ventilated place.
P410 P412: Protect from sunlight. Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50 ºC/122 ºF.
P411: Store at temperatures not exceeding ... ºC/... ºF.
P411 P235: Store at temperatures not exceeding ... ºC/... ºF. Keep cool.
P412: Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50 ºC/122 ºF.
P413: Store bulk masses greater than ... kg/... lbs at temperatures not exceeding ... °C/... °F.
P420: Store separately/away from other materials.
P422: Store contents under ...

Disposal precautionary statements

P501: Dispose of contents/container to ...
P502: Refer to manufacturer or supplier for information on recovery or recycling.

References

^ "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals" (pdf). 2021. Annex 3: Codification of Statements and Pictograms (pp 268–385).
^ The United Nations has published the list of GHS precautionary statements in all UN official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish): it can be found in Annex 3 of GHS Rev.2 for the corresponding language.
^ A list of translations into all the European Union official languages can be found in Annex IV to the CLP Regulation, on pages 210–324 of the official English-language version.
^ Part 1, section 1.4.10.5.2, GHS Rev.2
^ Part 1, section 1.4.10.5.2(c)(ii), GHS Rev.2

External links

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (Second revised ed.), New York and Geneva: United Nations, 2007, ISBN 978-92-1-116957-7, ST/SG/AC.10/30/Rev.2("GHS Rev.2")
"Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006", OJCE (L353): 1–1355, 2008-12-31(the "CLP Regulation")
Chemical Hazard & Precautionary Phrases in 23 European Languages, machine-readable and versioned

[GHS2021_annex-3-1] "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals" (pdf). 2021. Annex 3: Codification of Statements and Pictograms (pp 268–385).

[2] The United Nations has published the list of GHS precautionary statements in all UN official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish): it can be found in Annex 3 of GHS Rev.2 for the corresponding language.

[3] A list of translations into all the European Union official languages can be found in Annex IV to the CLP Regulation, on pages 210–324 of the official English-language version.

[4] Part 1, section 1.4.10.5.2, GHS Rev.2

[5] Part 1, section 1.4.10.5.2(c)(ii), GHS Rev.2

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