Precautionary statements form part of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling 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.

H statements contained:

• H200 - Unstable, explosive
• H201 - Explosive, risk of mass explosion.
• H202 - explosive; high risk from splinters, explosives and thrown pieces.
• H203 - explosive; Danger from fire, air pressure or splinters, explosives and thrown pieces.
• H204 - Risk of fire or splinters, explosives and thrown pieces.
• H205 - Risk of mass explosion in fire.
• H220 - Extremely flammable gas.
• H221 - Flammable gas.
• H222 - Extremely flammable aerosol.
• H223 - Flammable aerosol.
• H224 - Extremely flammable liquid and vapor.
• H225 - Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
• H226 - Flammable liquid and vapor.
• H228 - Flammable solid.
• H240 - heating can cause explosion.
• H241 - Heating may cause fire or explosion.
• H242 - heating can cause fire.
• H250 - Self-ignites in contact with air.
• H251 - Self-heating; can catch fire.
• H252 - Self-heating in large quantities; can catch fire.
• H260 - In contact with water releases flammable gases which can ignite spontaneously.
• H261 - In contact with water releases flammable gases.
• H270 - May cause or intensify fire; Oxidizing agent.
• H271 - May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizing agent.
• H272 - May intensify fire; Oxidizing agent.
• H280 - Contains gas under pressure; can explode if heated.
• H281 - Contains frozen gas; can cause cold burns or injuries.
• H290 can be corrosive against Metal.
• H300 - Fatal if swallowed.
• H301 - Toxic if swallowed.
• H302 - Harmful if swallowed.
• H304 - May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
• H310 - Fatal in contact with skin.
• H311 - Toxic in contact with skin.
• H312 - Harmful in contact with skin.
• H314 - Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
• H315 - Causes skin irritation.
• H317 can cause allergic reactions to your skin.
• H318 - Causes serious eye damage.
• H319 - Causes serious eye irritation.
• H330 - Fatal if inhaled.
• H331 - Toxic if inhaled.
• H332 - Harmful if inhaled.
• H334 - May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
• H335 May cause respiratory irritation.
• H336 May cause drowsiness and dizziness.
• H340 - May cause genetic defects (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard).
• H341 - Suspected of causing genetic defects (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard).
• H350 - May cause cancer (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard).
• H350i - May cause cancer if inhaled.
• H351 - Suspected of causing cancer (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard).
• H360 - May damage fertility or the unborn child (state specific effect, if known) (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard).
• H360F - May damage fertility.
• H360D - May cause damage to the unborn child.
• H360FD - May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
• H360Df - May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility.
• H361 - Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child (state specific effect, if known) (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard).
• H361f - Suspected of damaging fertility.
• H361d - Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
• H361fd - Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
• H362 - May cause harm to babies through breast milk.
• H370 - Causes damage to organs (or state all organs affected, if known) (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard).
• H371 - May cause damage to organs (or name all organs affected, if known) (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard).
• H372 - Causes damage to organs (state all organs affected) through prolonged or repeated exposure (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard).
• H373 - May cause damage to organs (state all organs affected, if known) through prolonged or repeated exposure (state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard).
• H400 Very toxic to aquatic organisms.
• H410 - Very toxic for water organisms with long-term effect.
• H411 ​​Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
• H412 - Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
• H413 - May be harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

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. [4] 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 / vapor / spray": the supplier or regulatory agency should choose the appropriate wording for the product concerned.

P statements contained:

• P101 - If medical advice is needed, have container or label ready.
• P102 - Keep out of the reach of children.
• P103 - Read label before use.
• P201 - Obtain special instructions before use.
• P202 - Read and understand all safety precautions before use.
• P210 - Keep away from heat / sparks / open flames / hot surfaces. Do not smoke.
• P211 - Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source.
• P220 - Keep / Store away from clothing /… / combustible materials.
• P221 - Mixing with flammable substances / ... absolutely prevent.
• P222 - Do not allow contact with air.
• P223 - Take care to avoid contact with water because of violent reaction and possible flashes.
• P230 - keep moist 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 - Earth container and system to be filled.
• P241 - Use explosion-proof electrical equipment / ventilation systems / lighting /….
• P242 - Use only non-sparking tools.
• P243 - Take precautionary measures against static discharges.
• P244 - Keep the pressure reducer free from grease and oil.
• P250 - Do not grind / bump /… / rub.
• P251 - Pressurized container: Do not pierce or burn, even after use.
• P260 - Do not breathe dust / smoke / gas / mist / vapor / aerosol.
• P261 - Avoid breathing dust / smoke / gas / mist / vapor / aerosol.
• P262 - Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
• P263 - Avoid contact during pregnancy / and breastfeeding.
• P264 - Wash… thoroughly after handling.
• P270 - When using, do not eat, drink or smoke.
• P271 - Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• P272 - Do not wear contaminated work clothing outside of the workplace.
• Avoid the release of P273 into the environment.
• P280 - Wear protective gloves / protective clothing / eye protection / face protection.
• P281 - Use personal protective equipment as required.
• P282 - Wear protective gloves / face shield / eye protection with cold insulation.
• P283 - Wear flame retardant / flame retardant clothing.
• P284 - wear respiratory protection.
• P285 - In case of insufficient ventilation, wear respiratory protection.
• P231 + P232 - Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture.
• P235 + P410 - keep cool. Protect from direct sunlight.
• P301 - If swallowed:
• P302 - If on skin:
• P303 - If on skin (or hair):
• P304 - If inhaled:
• P305 - If in contact with eyes:
• P306 - If clothing is contaminated:
• P307 - If exposed:
• P308 - If exposed or concerned:
• P309 - If exposed or if you feel unwell:
• P310 - Call a poison center or doctor immediately.
• P311 - Call a poison center or doctor.
• 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 medical advice / attention immediately.
• P320 - Specific treatment urgently needed (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:
• P333 - If skin irritation or rash occurs:
• P334 - Immerse in cold water / wrap in wet bandages.
• P335 - Brush off loose particles from skin.
• P336 - Thaw icy areas with lukewarm water. Do not rub the affected area.
• P337 - If eye irritation persists:
• P338 - Remove any contact lenses if possible. Continue rinsing.
• P340 - Remove affected person to fresh air and keep them at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
• P341 - If breathing is difficult, remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
• P342 - If experiencing respiratory symptoms:
• P350 - Wash gently with plenty of soap and water.
• P351 - Flush cautiously with water for a few minutes.
• P352 - Wash with plenty of soap and water.
• P353 - Wash skin with water / shower.
• P360 - Wash contaminated clothing and skin immediately with plenty of water and then take off clothing.
• P361 - Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
• P362 - Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
• P363 - Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
• P370 - In case of fire:
• P371 - In the event of a major fire and large quantities:
• P372 - Risk of explosion in case of fire.
• P373 - Do not fight fire if 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 without risk.
• P377 - Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish unless leak can be stopped safely.
• P378 - use to delete.
• P380 - Evacuate the area.
• P381 - Remove all sources of ignition if without risk.
• P390 - Collect spillage to prevent material damage.
• P391 - Collect spillage.
• P301 + P310 - If swallowed: Call a poison center or doctor immediately.
• P301 + P312 - If swallowed: Call a poison center or doctor if you feel unwell.
• P301 + P330 + P331 - If swallowed: rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
• P302 + P334 - After skin contact: Immerse in cold water / wrap in wet bandages.
• P302 + P350 - After skin contact: Wash cautiously with plenty of soap and water.
• P302 + P352 - After skin contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water.
• P303 + P361 + P353 - If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all soiled, soaked clothing. Wash skin with water / shower.
• P304 + P340 - If inhaled: Remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
• P304 + P341 - If inhaled: If breathing is difficult, remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
• P305 + P351 + P338 - If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if possible. Continue rinsing.
• P306 + P360 - After contact with clothing: Wash contaminated clothing and skin immediately with plenty of water and then take off clothing.
• P307 + P311 - If exposed: Call a poison center or doctor.
• P308 + P313 - If exposed or concerned: Get medical advice / attention.
• P309 + P311 - If exposed or if you feel unwell: Call a poison center or doctor.
• P332 + P313 - If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice / attention.
• P333 + P313 - If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice / attention.
• P335 + P334 - Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cold water / put on a wet bandage.
• P337 + P313 - If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice / attention.
• P342 + P311 - If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a poison center or doctor.
• P370 + P376 - In case of fire: Stop leak if without risk.
• P370 + P378 - In case of fire: use for extinction.
• 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 + P380 + P375 - In case of major fire and large quantities: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion.
• P401 -… keep.
• 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 corrosive resistant /… container with a resistant inner liner.
• P407 - Leave air gap between stacks / pallets.
• P410 - Protect from sunlight.
• P411 - Keep at temperatures not exceeding… ° C /….
• P412 - Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50 ° C.
• P413 - Keep bulk goods in quantities greater than… kg at temperatures not exceeding… ° C.
• P420 - Store away from other materials.
• P422 - Keep contents in / under…
• P402 + P404 - Store in a closed container in a dry place.
• P403 + P233 - Keep container tightly closed in a well-ventilated place.
• P403 + P235 - Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
• P410 + P403 - Keep out of sunlight in a well-ventilated place.
• P410 + P412 - Protect from direct sunlight and do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50 ° C.
• P411 + P235 - Keep cool and at temperatures not exceeding… ° C.
• P501 - Dispose of contents / container to….

What is the purpose of the precautionary statements?

Precautionary statements are one of the key elements for the labeling 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)