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.[a][b] 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:[2]

  • 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.[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.

General precautionary statements

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.

Prevention precautionary statements

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.

Response precautionary statements

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.

Storage precautionary statements

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 ...

Disposal precautionary statements

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.

Notes

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ 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.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)" (pdf). Geneva: United Nations. 2025. Annex 3: Codification of hazard statements, codification and use of precautionary statements, codification of hazard pictograms and examples of precautionary pictograms (pp. 293–408).
  2. ^ Part 1, section 1.4.10.5.2, GHS Rev.2
  3. ^ Part 1, section 1.4.10.5.2(c)(ii), GHS Rev.2
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