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Precautionary Statements (P-Statements) are part of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Precautionary statements provide standardized wording and/or pictograms to describe recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposures to a hazardous product, or improper storage, handling, or disposal of a hazardous product.
The GHS also has Hazard Statements which provide standardized hazard wordings. You will usually find both P- and H-statements on a label or Safety Data Sheet.
Precautionary statements are assigned a unique numerical code which can be used as a handy reference when translating labels and SDS's written in other languages. The codes are not a substitute for writing out the entire text of the statement.
The codes have the form Pnxx where P stands for "Precautionary Statement", xx is a sequential numbering scheme, and the value of n refers to:
general precautionary statements
prevention precautionary statements
response precautionary statements
storage precautionary statements
disposal precautionary statements
Thus, a Safety Data Sheet or label might bear a statement such as "Pressurized container; Do not pierce or burn, even after use (P251)". P indicates a Precautionary Statement, the 2 indicates it is a prevention precautionary statement, and 51 is part of the numbering scheme.
About this table: This page retains obsolete precautionary-statement codes because they may still appear on older labels and safety data sheets. OBSOLETE identifies codes deleted from the current UN GHS. GHS only means the allocation is recognized by the UN GHS but is not part of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. Revision badges identify major changes since the GHS Revision 3 baseline used for HCS 2012. The OSHA Appendix A and B links identify the corresponding hazard-class criteria; OSHA's required label wording and allocation of precautionary statements are controlled by Appendix C.
General Precautionary Statement Codes, P1xx
P101GHS onlyIf medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.
- for explosive substances and mixtures that are diluted with solids or liquids, or wetted with, dissolved or suspended in water or other liquids to reduce their explosive properties. …Manufacturer/supplier or competent authority to specify appropriate material.
– if the substance or mixture reacts readily with moisture in air. …Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify appropriate liquid or gas if “inert gas” is not appropriate.
- To be applied for explosives assigned a division within Class 1 for transport. - May be omitted for single packaging where the transport pictogram displaying the division (within Class 1) appears. - May be omitted where the use of different outer packaging results in different divisions for transport. …Manufacturer/supplier or competent authority to specify the division for transport.
P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
– if the liquid is volatile and may generate an explosive atmosphere. – text in square brackets may be used to specify specific electrical, ventilating, lighting or other equipment if necessary and as appropriate. – precautionary statement may be omitted where local or national legislation introduces more specific provisions.
– if dust clouds can occur. – text in square brackets may be used to specify specific electrical, ventilating, lighting or other equipment if necessary and as appropriate. – precautionary statement may be omitted where local or national legislation introduces more specific provisions.
– if the liquid is volatile and may generate an explosive atmosphere and if the minimum ignition energy is very low. (This applies to substances and mixtures where the minimum ignition energy is < 0.1 mJ, e.g. carbon disulphide).
– if the liquid is volatile and may generate an explosive atmosphere. – may be omitted where local or national legislation introduces more specific provisions.
P244Keep valves and fittings free from oil and grease.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the body to be washed after handling.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the body to be washed after handling.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the body to be washed after handling.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the body to be washed after handling.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the body to be washed after handling.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the body to be washed after handling.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the body to be washed after handling.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the body to be washed after handling.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the body to be washed after handling.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the body to be washed after handling.
Manufacturer/supplier to specify what type of ventilation would be adequate for safe use on the safety data sheet and in any supplemental safety instructions provided to consumers.
Manufacturer/supplier to specify what type of ventilation would be adequate for safe use on the safety data sheet and in any supplemental safety instructions provided to consumers.
Manufacturer/supplier to specify what type of ventilation would be adequate for safe use on the safety data sheet and in any supplemental safety instructions provided to consumers.
Manufacturer/supplier to specify what type of ventilation would be adequate for safe use on the safety data sheet and in any supplemental safety instructions provided to consumers.
P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
– Specify protective gloves/clothing and eye/face protection. Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority may further specify type of equipment where appropriate.
- Specify protective gloves and eye/face protection. Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority may further specify type of equipment where appropriate.
- Specify protective gloves and eye/face protection. Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority may further specify type of equipment where appropriate.
Manufacturer/supplier to specify on the safety data sheet what type of ventilation would be adequate for safe use and provide additional information with the chemical at the point of use that explains what type of respiratory equipment may also be needed.
Manufacturer/supplier to specify on the safety data sheet what type of ventilation would be adequate for safe use and provide additional information with the chemical at the point of use that explains what type of respiratory equipment may also be needed.
– if the substance or mixture reacts readily with moisture in air. …Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify appropriate liquid or gas if “inert gas” is not appropriate.
P264+P265Wash hands [and…] thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the hibody to be washed after handling.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the hibody to be washed after handling.
- text in square brackets to be used when the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority specify other parts of the hibody to be washed after handling.
P235+P410OBSOLETEKeep cool. Protect from sunlight.
Competent authority or manufacturer/supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
Competent authority or manufacturer/supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
Competent authority or manufacturer/supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
Competent authority or manufacturer/supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
Competent authority or manufacturer/supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
Competent authority or manufacturer/supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
Competent authority or manufacturer/supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
Competent authority or manufacturer/supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
- if immediate measures that can be easily applied, such as the administration of antidote or other specific treatment are required. These measures must be specified on the label and safety data sheet, recognizing additional detailed instructions, including any training requirements, should be provided on the safety data sheet, if appropriate.
- if immediate measures that can be easily applied, such as the administration of antidote or other specific treatment are required. These measures must be specified on the label and safety data sheet, recognizing additional detailed instructions, including any training requirements, should be provided on the safety data sheet, if appropriate.
- if immediate measures that can be easily applied, such as the administration of antidote or other specific treatment are required. These measures must be specified on the label and safety data sheet, recognizing additional detailed instructions, including any training requirements, should be provided on the safety data sheet, if appropriate.
P321Specific treatment (see information on this label and safety data sheet).
- if immediate measures that can be easily applied, such as the administration of antidote or other specific treatment are required. These measures must be specified on the label and safety data sheet, recognizing additional detailed instructions, including any training requirements, should be provided on the safety data sheet, if appropriate. - may be omitted if P320 is given on the label.
- if immediate measures that can be easily applied, such as the administration of antidote or other specific treatment are required. These measures must be specified on the label and safety data sheet, recognizing additional detailed instructions, including any training requirements, should be provided on the safety data sheet, if appropriate. - may be omitted if P320 is given on the label.
- if immediate measures that can be easily applied, such as the administration of antidote or other specific treatment are required. These measures must be specified on the label and safety data sheet, recognizing additional detailed instructions, including any training requirements, should be provided on the safety data sheet, if appropriate. - may be omitted if P320 is given on the label.
- if immediate measures that can be easily applied, such as the administration of antidote or other specific treatment are required. These measures must be specified on the label and safety data sheet, recognizing additional detailed instructions, including any training requirements, should be provided on the safety data sheet, if appropriate. - may be omitted if P320 is given on the label.
- if immediate measures that can be easily applied, such as the administration of antidote or other specific treatment are required. These measures must be specified on the label and safety data sheet, recognizing additional detailed instructions, including any training requirements, should be provided on the safety data sheet, if appropriate. - may be omitted if P320 is given on the label.
- if immediate measures that can be easily applied, such as the administration of antidote or other specific treatment are required. These measures must be specified on the label and safety data sheet, recognizing additional detailed instructions, including any training requirements, should be provided on the safety data sheet, if appropriate. - may be omitted if P320 is given on the label.
- if immediate measures that can be easily applied, such as the administration of antidote or other specific treatment are required. These measures must be specified on the label and safety data sheet, recognizing additional detailed instructions, including any training requirements, should be provided on the safety data sheet, if appropriate. - may be omitted if P320 is given on the label.
Manufacturer/supplier to reference on the safety data sheet detailed instructions, including any training requirements, to administer an antidote or other specific treatment. - may be omitted if P320 is given on the label.
Manufacturer/supplier to reference on the safety data sheet detailed instructions, including any training requirements, to administer an antidote or other specific treatment. - may be omitted if P320 is given on the label.
Manufacturer/supplier to reference on the safety data sheet detailed instructions, including any training requirements, to administer an antidote or other specific treatment. - may be omitted if P320 is given on the label.
Manufacturer/supplier to reference on the safety data sheet detailed instructions, including any training requirements, to administer an antidote or other specific treatment. - may be omitted if P321 or P322 is given on the label.
Manufacturer/supplier to reference on the safety data sheet detailed instructions, including any training requirements, to administer an antidote or other specific treatment. - may be omitted if P321 or P322 is given on the label.
Manufacturer/supplier to reference on the safety data sheet detailed instructions, including any training requirements, to administer an antidote or other specific treatment. - may be omitted if P321 or P322 is given on the label.
Manufacturer/supplier to reference on the safety data sheet detailed instructions, including any training requirements, to administer an antidote or other specific treatment. - may be omitted if P321 or P322 is given on the label.
Manufacturer/supplier to reference on the safety data sheet detailed instructions, including any training requirements, to administer an antidote or other specific treatment. - may be omitted if P321 or P322 is given on the label.
Manufacturer/supplier to reference on the safety data sheet detailed instructions, including any training requirements, to administer an antidote or other specific treatment. - may be omitted if P321 or P322 is given on the label.
Manufacturer/supplier to reference on the safety data sheet detailed instructions, including any training requirements, to administer an antidote or other specific treatment. - may be omitted if P321 or P322 is given on the label.
…Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority may specify a cleansing agent if appropriate, or may recommend an alternative agent in exceptional cases if water is clearly inappropriate.
…Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority may specify a cleansing agent if appropriate, or may recommend an alternative agent in exceptional cases if water is clearly inappropriate.
…Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority may specify a cleansing agent if appropriate, or may recommend an alternative agent in exceptional cases if water is clearly inappropriate.
…Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority may specify a cleansing agent if appropriate, or may recommend an alternative agent in exceptional cases if water is clearly inappropriate.
– text in square brackets to be included where the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority considers it appropriate for the specific chemical.
P354GHS Rev. 9Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
Competent authority or manufacturer / supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
Competent authority or manufacturer / supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
Competent authority or manufacturer / supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
…Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority may specify a cleansing agent if appropriate or may recommend an alternative agent in exceptional cases if water is clearly inappropriate.
…Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority may specify a cleansing agent if appropriate or may recommend an alternative agent in exceptional cases if water is clearly inappropriate.
…Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority may specify a cleansing agent if appropriate or may recommend an alternative agent in exceptional cases if water is clearly inappropriate.
…Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority may specify a cleansing agent if appropriate or may recommend an alternative agent in exceptional cases if water is clearly inappropriate.
P302+P361+P354IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
– text in square brackets to be included where the manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority considers it appropriate for the specific chemical.
Competent authority or manufacturer / supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
P307+P311OBSOLETEIF exposed: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
Hazard class
Hazard category
Conditions for use
As appropriate / see competent authority
—
—
P308+P311OBSOLETEIF exposed or concerned: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
Hazard class
Hazard category
Conditions for use
As appropriate / see competent authority
—
—
P308+P313OBSOLETEIF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.
Hazard class
Hazard category
Conditions for use
As appropriate / see competent authority
—
—
P309+P311OBSOLETEIF exposed or if you feel unwell: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
Competent authority or manufacturer/supplier may add, “Call” followed by the appropriate emergency telephone number, or the appropriate emergency medical help provider, for example, a poison centre, emergency centre or doctor.
– except for temperature controlled self-reactive substances and mixtures or organicperoxides because condensation and consequent freezing may take place.
– except for temperature controlled self-reactive substances and mixtures or organicperoxides because condensation and consequent freezing may take place.
– may be omitted for chemicals under pressure filled in transportable cylinders in accordance with packing instruction P200 or P206 of the UN Model Regulations, unless those chemicals under pressure are subject to (slow) decomposition or polymerization, or the competent authority provides otherwise.
– may be omitted for gases filled in transportable gas cylinders in accordance with packing instruction P200 of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations, unless those gases are subject to (slow) decomposition or polymerisation, or the competent authority provides otherwise.
– if temperature control is required (according to section 2.8.2.3 or 2.15.2.3 of the GHS) or if otherwise deemed necessary. ...Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify temperature using applicable temperature scale.
– if temperature control is required (according to section 2.8.2.3 or 2.15.2.3 of the GHS) or if otherwise deemed necessary. ...Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify temperature using applicable temperature scale.
P412Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C/ 122 °F.
– P410 may be omitted for chemicals under pressure filled in transportable cylinders in accordance with packing instruction P200 or P206 of the UN Model Regulations, unless those chemicals under pressure are subject to (slow) decomposition or polymerization, or the competent authority provides otherwise.
– P410 may be omitted for gases filled in transportable gas cylinders in accordance with packing instruction P200 of the UN Model Regulations, unless those gases are subject to (slow) decomposition or polymerisation, or the competent authority provides otherwise.
P410+P412Protect from sunlight. Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C/122°F.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard (GHS chapter 4.1) GHS only
1, 2, 3, 4
... in accordance with local/regional/ national/international regulation (to be specified). Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify whether disposal requirements apply to contents, container or both.
P502GHS onlyRefer to manufacturer or supplier for information on recovery or recycling.
… Manufacturer/supplier or the competent authority to specify appropriate source of information in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations as applicable
OBSOLETE The current GHS Rev. 11 retains these codes only as historical references. They may still be encountered on older SDSs and labels, so they remain searchable here rather than being deleted.
GHS Rev. 6 Desensitized explosives were added as a distinct GHS hazard class, bringing new associated precautionary language including P212.
GHS Rev. 11 The 2025 revision further rationalized precautionary statements. Some medical-response codes were revised or redefined, and several combinations that were still current in Rev. 10 are now obsolete.
If that process, required under Paragraph (d) of 29 CFR 1910.1200, the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2024), indicates a hazard, the applicable H-statements and precautionary statements must be provided on the Safety Data Sheet (see paragraph (g)) and the label (see paragraph (f)).
Per Appendix D of HCS 2024, the H- and P-statements will appear in Section 2 of the SDS. Note: If a sheet was issued before the HCS 2012 took full effect the (M)SDS may not only be in a different format, it may not contain these statements. If you have a sheet like this in your collection you should attempt to find a current version. Remember that P-statements phrases only indicate the safety precautions that you need to follow when using the material, not the explicit hazards of the material. For hazards information see the Hazard Statements entry.
This section discusses SDS relevance, but precautionary statements are equally important on labels. Under paragraph C.2.4 of Appendix C of HCS 2024, precautionary statements may be combined or consolidated to save space and improve readability, minor textual variations are permitted when they do not dilute the safety advice, and overlapping statements may be prioritized so the most stringent or most urgent response is communicated.
That flexibility may help explain why the HCS does not use or require GHS P- and H-codes. These codes are useful reference identifiers and may accompany the statements, but they do not substitute for the required statement text.
A good SDS author will include both the statement(s) and their corresponding code(s), e.g. "Pressurized container: Do not pierce or burn, even after use. (P251)" so that the information text is completely intelligible to a worker who has never heard of P251, while the code provides tremendous value to an SDS editor, EHS professional, database, translator, or knowledgeable reader who can trace that requirement back to both the GHS and HCS.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.