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Precautionary statements
What are precautions?
Precautions, or **precautionary statements**, are standardised statements that form part of the mandatory labelling elements for hazardous chemical substances and mixtures. They describe recommended safety measures intended to protect human health and the environment. They help minimise the risks associated with handling hazardous chemical substances and mixtures, whether during use, storage or disposal.
Classification of precautions
Precautions are divided into several categories according to the type of precautionary statement they contain:
General precautionary statements (P1xx)
They describe general measures intended primarily for, and mandatory for, the general public.
Example:
Keep out of reach of children.
Keep out of reach of children.
Prevention precautionary statements (P2xx)
They specify measures to prevent accidents or exposure, including the use of personal protective equipment.
Example:
Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. (Manufacturer/supplier to specify type of equipment.)
Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. (Manufacturer/supplier to specify type of equipment.)
Response precautionary statements (P3xx)
They describe the appropriate actions to take in the event of a spill, fire or exposure to a hazardous product.
Example:
Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
Storage (P4xx)
They include recommendations for safe storage, separation from other substances, and similar precautions.
Example:
Store locked up.
Store locked up.
Disposal precautionary statements (P5xx)
They describe the correct methods for disposing of chemicals to minimise the risk of pollution.
Example:
Refer to manufacturer/supplier for information on recovery/recycling.
Refer to manufacturer/supplier for information on recovery/recycling.
How precautions are used in safety data sheets and on labels
In safety data sheets, precautionary statements are listed in Section 2.2 (Label elements) together with H-statements, the signal word and hazard pictograms.
On labels, they are included as part of the mandatory labelling, either in full text or in combination with codes (e.g. P280).
There are also combined precautions that combine multiple precautionary statements:
E.g.: P333+P313 – If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
Some precautionary statements allow specific supplemental text to be added (e.g. Wash hands and exposed parts of the body thoroughly after handling.).
The wording of precautions may change following legislative updates.
In the EU, their use is governed by the CLP Regulation (EC No 1272/2008), which lays down the rules for the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures.
The list of precautions is set out in Annex IV, Part 1, while the legally binding texts in the individual languages are provided in Part 2.
Complete list of precautionary statements
P1xx – 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.
P2xx – Prevention precautionary statements
P201
Obtain special instructions before use.
P202
Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
P203
P210
Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking.
P211
Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source.
P212
Avoid heating under confinement or reduction of the desensitising agent.
P220
Keep/Store away from clothing/…/combustible materials. (Manufacturer/supplier to specify other incompatible materials.)
P222
Do not allow contact with air.
P223
Do not allow contact with water.
P230
Keep wetted with… (Manufacturer/supplier to specify appropriate material.)
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. (Manufacturer/supplier to specify other equipment.)
P242
Use only non-sparking tools.
P243
Take precautionary measures against static discharge.
P244
Keep valves and fittings free from oil and grease.
P250
Do not subject to grinding/shock/…/friction. (Manufacturer/supplier to specify applicable rough handling.)
P251
Do not pierce or burn, even after use.
P260
Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. (Manufacturer/supplier to specify applicable conditions.)
P261
Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. (Manufacturer/supplier to specify applicable conditions.)
P261+P304+P340+P312
Avoid breathing dust. IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Call doctor if you feel unwell.
P262
Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
P263
Avoid contact during pregnancy/while nursing.
P264
Wash … thoroughly after handling. (Manufacturer/supplier to specify parts of the body to be washed 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. (Manufacturer/supplier to specify type of equipment.)
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.
P3xx – 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/doctor/…/if you feel unwell. (Manufacturer/supplier to specify the appropriate source of emergency medical advice.)
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+P335+P334
IF ON SKIN: Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water.
P302+P335+P334b
IF ON SKIN: Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages.
P302+P352
IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water/… (Manufacturer/supplier may specify a cleansing agent if appropriate, or may recommend an alternative agent in exceptional cases if water is clearly inappropriate.)
P302+P352+P333+P313
IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice.
P303
IF ON SKIN (or hair):
P303+P361+P353
IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
P303+P361+P353s3b
IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
P304
IF INHALED:
P304+P340
IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P305
IF IN EYES:
P305+P351+P338
IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously 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.
P308
IF exposed or concerned:
P308+P311
IF exposed or concerned: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… (Manufacturer/supplier to specify the appropriate source of emergency medical advice.)
P308+P313
IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.
P310
Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
P311
Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
P312
Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…/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).
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 rash occurs:
P333+P313
If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P334
Immerse in cool water.
P334b
Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages.
P335
Brush off loose particles from skin.
P336
Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected area.
P336+P315
Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected area. Get immediate medical advice/attention.
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 person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P342
If experiencing respiratory symptoms:
P342+P311
If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… (Manufacturer/supplier to specify the appropriate source of emergency medical advice.)
P351
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
P352
Wash with plenty of water/…
P353
Rinse skin with water.
P353b
Rinse skin with water or shower.
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. (Manufacturer/supplier to specify appropriate media.)
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:
P372
Explosion risk.
P373
DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches explosives.
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.
P4xx – Storage
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 no expose to temperatures exceeding 50 °C/122 °F.
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 separately.
P5xx – Disposal precautionary statements
P501
Dispose of contents/container to… (In accordance with local/regional/national/international regulation (to be specified))
P502
Refer to manufacturer or supplier for information on recovery or recycling.
P503
Refer to manufacturer or supplier for information on disposal or recovery or recycling.
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