Recently I already wrote about H-statements (hazard statements). Today I will discuss another group of statements that typically appear together with H-statements and pictograms on labels or in safety data sheets — these are the precautionary statements, or P-statements.
Where H-statements describe the type of hazard, the role of precautionary statements is to inform us about recommended measures when handling a chemical.
A “precautionary statement” is a phrase that describes recommended measures to reduce or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous substance or mixture when it is used or disposed of. They help the user avoid risks when working with chemicals, and they also contain recommendations for first aid in case of an accident.
The letter “P” stands for the English word Precautionary. P-statements and their combinations are listed in the CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008).
Under CLP, P-statements must be selected based on the classification of the chemical and used for its labelling. Like H-statements, they consist of the letter P and three digits (e.g. P102: Keep out of reach of children).
In labelling, when multiple P-statements are combined they can be linked with a “+” sign, for example: P308 + P313 (If exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention).
Finally, let me stress again that pictograms, H-statements and P-statements together ensure proper communication of safety information. All elements are important parts of the instructions for correct use of chemicals and must be followed during handling.
Below is the complete list of P-statements exactly as they appear in the CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008, Part 2 of Annex IV:
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.
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.
P211 Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source.
P220 Keep/Store away from clothing/…/combustible materials.
P221 Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles.
P222 Do not allow contact with air.
P223 Keep away from any possible contact with water, because of violent reaction and possible flash fire.
P230 Keep wetted with …
P231 Handle under inert gas.
P232 Protect from moisture.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P234 Keep only in original packaging.
P235 Keep cool.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/…/ equipment.
P242 Use only 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/while nursing.
P264 Wash … thoroughly 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.
P281 Use personal protective equipment as required.
P282 Wear cold insulating gloves/face shield/eye protection.
P283 Wear fire resistant/…/ clothing.
P284 Wear respiratory protection.
P301 If swallowed:
P301+P310 IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
P301+P312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
P301+P330+P331 IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P302 If on skin:
P302+P334 IF ON SKIN: Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages.
P302+P350 IF ON SKIN: Gently wash with plenty of soap and water.
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water/…
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.
P304 If inhaled:
P304+P312 IF INHALED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P304+P341 IF INHALED: If breathing is difficult, remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P305 If in eyes:
P305+P338 IF IN EYES: Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
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+P360 IF ON CLOTHING: Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes.
P307+P311 IF exposed: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
P308+P313 IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.
P309+P311 IF exposed or if you feel unwell: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
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).
P322 Specific measures (see … on this label).
P330 Rinse mouth.
P331 Do NOT induce vomiting.
P332+P313 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P333+P313 If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
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 area.
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.
P341 If breathing is difficult, remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P342+P311 If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
P401 Store …
P402 Store in a dry place.
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 corrosive resistant/… container with a resistant inner liner.
P407 Maintain air gap between stacks/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°C/122°F.
P411 Store at temperatures not exceeding …
P412 Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C/122°F.
P413 Store bulk masses greater than … kg/… lbs at temperatures not exceeding …
P420 Store away from other materials.
P422 Store contents under …
P501 Dispose of contents/container to …
P502 Refer to manufacturer/supplier for information on recovery/recycling.
P503 Refer to manufacturer/supplier for information on disposal/reuse/recycling.
If you need a clear and reliable guide to chemical legislation, feel free to contact me at simona.miklavcic@bens-consulting.eu.
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