precautionary statements
Precautionary statements form part of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). 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
Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
What Are Precautionary statements?
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.
Precautionary statements form part of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). 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. 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:
- 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)
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
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. [As modified by IV ATP |
P211 | Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source. |
P220 | Keep/Store away from clothing/…/combustible materials. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P221 | Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles. |
P222 | Do not allow contact with air. |
P223 | Do not allow contact with water. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P230 | Keep wetted with … |
P231 | Handle under inert gas. |
P232 | Protect from moisture. |
P233 | Keep container tightly closed. |
P234 | Keep only in original container. |
P235 | Keep cool. |
P240 | Ground/bond container and receiving equipment. |
P241 | Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/…/equipment. |
P242 | Use only non-sparking tools. |
P243 | Take precautionary measures against static discharge. |
P244 | Keep valves and fittings free from oil and grease. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P250 | Do not subject to grinding/shock/…/friction. |
P251 | Do not pierce or burn, even after use. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P260 | Do not breathe dust/fumes/gas/mist/vapours/spray. |
P261 | Avoid breathing dust/fumes/gas/mist/vapours/spray. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P262 | Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. |
P263 | Avoid contact during pregnancy/while nursing. |
P264 | Wash … thoroughly after handling. [… (to be specified)]. |
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. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P281 | [Deleted by IV ATP] |
P282 | Wear cold insulating gloves/face shield/eye protection. |
P283 | Wear fire/flame resistant/retardant clothing. |
P284 | [In case of inadequate ventilation] wear respiratory protection. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P285 | [Deleted by IV ATP] |
P231+232 | Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture |
P235+410 | Keep cool. Protect from sunlight |
Response precautionary statements
P301 | IF SWALLOWED: |
P302 | IF ON SKIN: |
P303 | IF ON SKIN (or hair): |
P304 | IF INHALED: |
P305 | IF IN EYES: |
P306 | IF ON CLOTHING: |
P307 | [Deleted by IV ATP] |
P308 | If exposed or concerned: |
P309 | [Deleted by IV ATP] |
P310 | Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… [As modified by IV ATP] |
P311 | Call a POISON CENTER/ doctor/… [As modified by IV ATP] |
P312 | Call a POISON CENTER/ doctor/…/if you feel unwell. [As modified by IV ATP] |
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 | [Deleted by IV ATP] |
P330 | Rinse mouth. |
P331 | Do NOT induce vomiting. |
P332 | If skin irritation occurs: |
P333 | If skin irritation or a rash occurs: |
P334 | Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages. |
P335 | Brush off loose particles from skin. |
P336 | Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected areas. |
P337 | If eye irritation persists: |
P338 | Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. |
P340 | Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
P341 | [Deleted by IV ATP] |
P342 | If experiencing respiratory symptoms: |
P350 | [Deleted by IV ATP] |
P351 | Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. |
P352 | Wash with plenty of water/… [As modified by IV ATP] |
P353 | Rinse skin with water/shower. |
P360 | Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. |
P361 | Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P362 | Take off contaminated clothing. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P363 | Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P364 | And wash it before reuse. [Added by IV ATP] |
P370 | In case of fire: |
P371 | In case of major fire and large quantities: |
P372 | Explosion risk in case of fire. |
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 | Eliminate all ignition sources if safe to do so. |
P391 | Collect spillage. |
P301+310 | IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… [As modified by IV ATP] |
P301+312 | IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…/if you feel unwell. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P301+330+331 | IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. |
P302+334 | IF ON SKIN: Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages. |
P302+350 | [Deleted by IV ATP] |
P302+352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water/… [As modified by IV ATP] |
P303+361+353 | IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/ shower. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P304+312 | IF INHALED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. |
P304+340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P304+341 | [Deleted by IV ATP] |
P305+351+338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do – continue rinsing. |
P306+360 | IF ON CLOTHING: Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. |
P307+311 | [Deleted by IV ATP] |
P308+311 | If exposed or concerned: Call a POISON CENTER/ doctor/… [Added by IV ATP] |
P308+313 | If exposed: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
P309+311 | [Deleted by IV ATP] |
P332+313 | If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. |
P333+313 | If skin irritation or a rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention. |
P335+334 | Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages. |
P337+313 | If eye irritation persists get medical advice/attention. |
P342+311 | If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… [As modified by IV ATP] |
P361+364 | Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. [Added by IV ATP] |
P362+364 | Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. [Added by IV ATP] |
P370+376 | In case of fire: Stop leak if safe to do so. |
P370+378 | In case of fire: Use … to extinguish. [As modified by IV ATP] |
P370+380 | In case of fire: Evacuate area. |
P370+380+375 | In case of fire: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. |
P371+380+375 | In case of major fire and large quantities: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. |
Storage precautionary statements
P401 | Store … |
P402 | Store in a dry place. |
P403 | Store in a well ventilated place. |
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/pallets. |
P410 | Protect from sunlight. |
P411 | Store at temperatures not exceeding … °C/… °F. |
P412 | Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50 °C/122 °F. |
P413 | Store bulk masses greater than … kg/… lbs at temperatures not exceeding … °C/… °F. |
P420 | Store away from other materials. |
P422 | Store contents under … |
P402+404 | Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container. |
P403+233 | Store in a well ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. |
P403+235 | Store in a well ventilated place. Keep cool. |
P410+403 | Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place. |
P410+412 | Protect from sunlight. Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50 °C/122 °F. |
P411+235 | Store at temperatures not exceeding … °C/… °F. Keep cool. |
Disposal precautionary statements
P501 | Dispose of contents/container to … [… in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulation (to be specified)]. |
P502 | Refer to manufacturer/supplier for information on recovery/recycling. |