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Precautionary statements form part of theGlobally 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.[a][b] As such, they serve the same purpose as the well-knownS-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:[2]
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 theactual phrase which should appear on labels andsafety data sheets.[3] 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.
GHS P-phrases(3)[1] | |
|---|---|
| Code | Phrase |
| P101 | If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand. |
| P102 | Keep out of reach of children. |
| P103 | Read carefully and follow all instructions. |
GHS P-phrases(43)[1] | |
|---|---|
| Code | Phrase |
| P201 | (Obsolete) Obtain special instructions before use. |
| P202 | (Obsolete) Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. |
| P203 | Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use. |
| 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. |
| P212 | Avoid heating under confinement or reduction of the desensitized agent. |
| P220 | Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials. |
| P221 | (Obsolete) Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles/... |
| P222 | Do not allow contact with air. |
| P223 | Do not allow contact with water. |
| P230 | Keep diluted 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. |
| P235 | Keep cool. |
| P235+P410 | (Obsolete) Keep cool. Protect from sunlight. |
| P236 | Keep only in original packaging; Division ... in the transport configuration. |
| P240 | Ground and bond container and receiving equipment. |
| P241 | Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/...] equipment. |
| P242 | Use non-sparking tools. |
| P243 | Take action to prevent static discharges. |
| P244 | Keep valves and fittings free from oil and grease |
| P250 | Do not subject to grinding/shock/friction/... |
| P251 | 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 hands [and ...] thoroughly after handling. |
| P264+P265 | Wash hands [and ...] thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes. |
| P265 | Do not touch eyes. |
| P270 | Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. |
| P271 | Use only outdoors or with adequate ventilation. |
| 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/hearing protection/... |
| P281 | (Obsolete) 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 | In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection. |
| P285 | (Obsolete) In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection. |
GHS P-phrases(114)[1] | |
|---|---|
| Code | Phrase |
| P301 | IF SWALLOWED: |
| P301+P310 | (Obsolete) IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
| P301+P310+P330 | (Obsolete) IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. Rinse mouth. |
| P301+P312 | (Obsolete) IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. |
| P301+P312+P330 | (Obsolete) IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. Rinse mouth. |
| P301+P316 | IF SWALLOWED: Get emergency medical help immediately. |
| P301+P317 | IF SWALLOWED: IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help. |
| P301+P330+P331 | IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. |
| P302 | IF ON SKIN: |
| P302+P312 | (Obsolete) IF ON SKIN: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. |
| P302+P317 | (Obsolete) IF ON SKIN: Get medical help. |
| P302+P334 | IF ON SKIN: Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages. |
| P302+P335+P334 | IF ON SKIN: Brush off loose particles from skin and immerse in cool water [or wrap in wet bandages]. |
| P302+P350 | (Obsolete) IF ON SKIN: Gently wash with soap and water. |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water/... |
| P302+P352+P312 | (Obsolete) IF ON SKIN: Wash with soap and water. Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. |
| P302+P361+P354 | IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. |
| 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]. |
| P303+P361+P353+P315 | (Obsolete) IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water [or shower]. Get immediate medical advice/attention. |
| P304 | IF INHALED: |
| P304+P312 | (Obsolete) IF INHALED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. |
| P304+P317 | (Obsolete) IF INHALED: Get medical help. |
| P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
| P304+P340+P310 | (Obsolete) IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
| P304+P340+P311 | (Obsolete) IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
| P304+P340+P312 | (Obsolete) IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. |
| P304+P340+P315 | (Obsolete) IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Get immediate medical advice/attention. |
| P304+P341 | (Obsolete) 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. |
| P305+P351+P338+P310 | (Obsolete) IF IN EYES: Rinse continuously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
| P305+P351+P338+P315 | (Obsolete) IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Get immediate medical advice/attention. |
| P305+P354+P338 | IF IN EYES: Immediately rinse 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 | (Obsolete) IF exposed: |
| P307+P311 | (Obsolete) IF exposed: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
| P308 | IF exposed or concerned: |
| P308+P310 | (Obsolete) IF exposed or concerned: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
| P308+P311 | (Obsolete) IF exposed or concerned: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
| P308+P313 | (Obsolete) IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P308+P316 | IF exposed or concerned: Get emergency medical help immediately. |
| P309 | (Obsolete) IF exposed or you feel unwell: |
| P309+P311 | (Obsolete) IF exposed or you feel unwell: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
| P310 | (Obsolete) Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
| P311 | (Obsolete) Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
| P312 | (Obsolete) Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. |
| P313 | (Obsolete) Get medical advice/attention. |
| P314 | (Obsolete) Get Medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. |
| P315 | (Obsolete) Get immediate medical advice/attention. |
| P316 | Get emergency medical help immediately. |
| P317 | Get medical help. |
| P318 | If exposed or concerned, get medical advice. |
| P319 | Get medical help if you feel unwell. |
| P320 | Specific treatment is urgent (see information on this label and safety data sheet). |
| P321 | Specific treatment (see information on this label and safety data sheet). |
| P322 | Specific treatment is urgent (see information on the safety data sheet). |
| P323 | Specific treatment (see information on the safety data sheet). |
| P330 | Rinse mouth. |
| P331 | Do NOT induce vomiting. |
| P332 | If skin irritation occurs: |
| P332+P313 | (Obsolete) If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P332+P317 | If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help. |
| P333 | If skin irritation or a rash occurs: |
| P333+P313 | (Obsolete) If skin irritation or a rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P333+P317 | If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help. |
| P334 | Immerse in cool water [or wrap in wet bandages]. |
| P335 | Brush off loose particles from skin. |
| P335+P334 | (Obsolete) 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. |
| P336+P315 | (Obsolete) Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected area. Get immediate medical advice/attention. |
| P336+P317 | Immediately thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected area. Get medical help. |
| P337 | If eye irritation persists: |
| P337+P313 | (Obsolete) If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P337+P317 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical help. |
| P338 | Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. |
| P340 | Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
| P341 | (Obsolete) 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 | (Obsolete) If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
| P342+P316 | If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Get emergence medical help immediately. |
| P350 | (Obsolete) 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]. |
| P354 | Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. |
| P360 | Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. |
| P361 | 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+P372+P380+P373 | In case of fire: Explosion risk. Evacuate area. DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches explosives. |
| P370+P376 | In case of fire: Stop leak if safe to do so. |
| P370+P378 | In case of fire: Use ... to extinguish. |
| P370+P380 | (Obsolete) In case of fire: Evacuate area. |
| P370+P380+P375 | In case of fire: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. |
| P370+P380+P375+P378 | In case of fire: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. Use...to extinguish. |
| 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 | (Obsolete) 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. |
| P390 | Absorb spillage to prevent material damage. |
| P391 | Collect spillage. |
GHS P-phrases(19)[1] | |
|---|---|
| Code | Phrase |
| 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 corrosion 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 | (Obsolete) 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. |
| P422 | (Obsolete) Store contents under ... |
GHS P-phrases(3)[1] | |
|---|---|
| Code | Phrase |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container to ... |
| P502 | Refer to manufacturer or supplier for information on recovery or recycling. |
| P503 | Refer to manufacturer/supplier... for information on disposal/recovery/recycling. |