Reference · Precautionary statements
GHS precautionary statements
Every P-code in one place, with the wording taken verbatim from the regulation rather than paraphrased — and a switch that shows whether a code is still current under EU CLP, OSHA HazCom or the latest UN GHS.
01 · How to read this list
Three things a plain code list will not tell you
Verbatim
The regulation wording, not a paraphrase
CLP writes P264 as “Wash … thoroughly after handling” — the blank is for the supplier to fill in. Most reference sites quietly complete it and present the result as the official text. We show both: the readable form on top, the verbatim regulation line underneath.
Combined
All 27 combined codes, decomposed
A label says P305+P351+P338; Annex VI lists the three parts separately. Both views are here, and every component links to its own page — so you can go either direction.
Jurisdictions
The same code, 4 legal systems
P313 is current under EU CLP and deleted under UN GHS Rev.11. P281 is gone from CLP but is a normal GHS Rev.3 code, and Rev.3 is what most safety data sheets in circulation were written to. Switch the jurisdiction and every status moves with it — no code here is dead everywhere.
02 · The list
All 117 precautionary statements
Grouped the way the regulation groups them. Substance counts always come from CLP Annex VI — 45 of the 117 codes are carried by at least one harmonised entry, the rest are defined but unused and shown greyed out. Switching jurisdiction changes the legal status of each code, not the counts.
EU CLP · Regulation (EC) 1272/2008. Legally binding in the EU and EEA. Harmonised classifications in Annex VI use single P-codes; combined codes appear on supplier labels. Source.
US OSHA HazCom · 29 CFR 1910.1200 Appendix C. OSHA aligned the Hazard Communication Standard to UN GHS Rev.7 in the final rule published 20 May 2024. Codes withdrawn from CLP — P281, P285, P307, P309, P341 — were part of GHS Rev.3, the basis of HazCom 2012, and still appear on safety data sheets written before the transition. Source.
US HazCom 2012 · legacy · GHS Rev.3. The version OSHA ran from 2012 until the 2024 final rule, and the version most safety data sheets still in circulation were written to. A code shown as withdrawn under CLP is very often simply a Rev.3 code that Europe has since moved on from. Source.
UN GHS · Rev.11 (2025). The UN model text, revised every two years. Rev.11 deleted P201 and P202 in favour of P203, and replaced the whole P310–P315 series with P316–P319. None of that has reached CLP yet, which is why a code can be current in the EU and deleted here. Source.
Reading the official wording. … is a blank the supplier fills in — it is not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies. · A slash offers a choice, as in POISON CENTER/doctor. Open any code for what goes in its blank.
General
P101–P103 · 3 codes · 3 used in Annex VIStatements that belong on almost every consumer-facing label: keep it away from children, keep the label with the product.
Prevention
P201–P285 · 40 codes · 18 used in Annex VIWhat to do so the harm never happens — engineering controls, protective equipment, handling and hygiene rules.
| Code | Precautionary statement | Substances |
|---|---|---|
| P201 | Obtain special instructions before use. | 1258 |
| P202 | Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. | — |
| P203 | Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use. not in this system Not part of EU CLP. Current in UN GHS. | — |
| P210 | Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. | 499 |
| 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 away from clothing and other combustible materials. | 1 |
| P221 | Take precautionary measures against mixing with combustibles. withdrawn Not in the current CLP Annex IV; deleted without a direct replacement. | — |
| P222 | Do not allow contact with air. | 3 |
| P223 | Do not allow contact with water. | — |
| P230 | Keep wetted with water. CLP verbatim: Keep wetted with … | — |
| P231 | Handle and store contents under inert gas. CLP verbatim: Handle and store contents under inert gas/… | 8 |
| P232 | Protect from moisture. | — |
| P233 | Keep container tightly closed. | 453 |
| P234 | Keep only in original packaging. | — |
| P235 | Keep cool. | — |
| P236 | Keep only in original packaging, in the transport configuration. not in this system CLP verbatim: Keep only in original packaging; Division … in the transport configuration. Not part of EU CLP. Current in UN GHS. | — |
| P240 | Ground and bond container and receiving equipment. | — |
| P241 | Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment. CLP verbatim: Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment. | 275 |
| P242 | Use only non-sparking tools. | 275 |
| P243 | Take precautionary measures against static discharge. | — |
| P244 | Keep valves and fittings free from oil and grease. | 1 |
| P250 | Do not subject to grinding, shock or friction. CLP verbatim: 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 or spray. CLP verbatim: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. | 1238 |
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray. CLP verbatim: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. | 1053 |
| P262 | Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. | — |
| P263 | Avoid contact during pregnancy and while nursing. | — |
| P264 | Wash hands thoroughly after handling. CLP verbatim: Wash … thoroughly after handling. | 661 |
| P265 | Do not touch eyes. not in this system Not part of EU CLP. Current in UN GHS. | — |
| P270 | Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. | 1700 |
| P271 | Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. | 679 |
| P272 | Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. | 1026 |
| P273 | Avoid release to the environment. | 2245 |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection. CLP verbatim: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/… | 3171 |
| P281 | Use personal protective equipment as required. withdrawn Not in the current CLP Annex IV. Current equivalent: P280 | — |
| 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. CLP verbatim: [In case of inadequate ventilation] wear respiratory protection. | 27 |
| P285 | In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection. withdrawn Not in the current CLP Annex IV. Current equivalent: P284 | — |
| No code in this group matches the filter. | ||
Response
P301–P391 · 58 codes · 22 used in Annex VIWhat to do once something has gone wrong: first aid by exposure route, firefighting, spill control. The largest group by far.
| Code | Precautionary statement | Substances |
|---|---|---|
| P301 | IF SWALLOWED: | 1648 |
| P302 | IF ON SKIN: | 936 |
| P303 | IF ON SKIN (or hair): | — |
| P304 | IF INHALED: | 703 |
| P305 | IF IN EYES: | 902 |
| P306 | IF ON CLOTHING: | — |
| P307 | IF exposed: withdrawn Not in the current CLP Annex IV. Current equivalent: P308 | — |
| P308 | IF exposed or concerned: | 1253 |
| P309 | IF exposed or if you feel unwell: withdrawn Not in the current CLP Annex IV. Current equivalent: P308 | — |
| P310 | Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor. CLP verbatim: Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… | 1318 |
| P311 | Call a POISON CENTER or doctor. CLP verbatim: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… | 55 |
| P312 | Call a POISON CENTER or doctor if you feel unwell. CLP verbatim: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell. | 1166 |
| P313 | Get medical advice or attention. CLP verbatim: Get medical advice/attention. | 2463 |
| P314 | Get medical advice or attention if you feel unwell. CLP verbatim: Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. | 540 |
| P315 | Get immediate medical advice or attention. CLP verbatim: Get immediate medical advice/attention. | — |
| P316 | Get emergency medical help immediately. not in this system Not part of EU CLP. Current in UN GHS. | — |
| P317 | Get medical help. not in this system Not part of EU CLP. Current in UN GHS. | — |
| P318 | IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. not in this system Not part of EU CLP. Current in UN GHS. | — |
| P319 | Get medical help if you feel unwell. not in this system Not part of EU CLP. Current in UN GHS. | — |
| P320 | Specific treatment is urgent (see the first aid instructions on this label). CLP verbatim: Specific treatment is urgent (see … on this label). | — |
| P321 | Specific treatment (see the first aid instructions on this label). CLP verbatim: Specific treatment (see … on this label). | — |
| P322 | Specific treatment is urgent (see information on the safety data sheet). not in this system Not part of EU CLP. Current in US HazCom 2012, UN GHS. | — |
| P323 | Specific treatment (see information on the safety data sheet). not in this system Not part of EU CLP. Current in UN GHS. | — |
| P330 | Rinse mouth. | 1497 |
| P331 | Do NOT induce vomiting. | 374 |
| P332 | If skin irritation occurs: | 462 |
| P333 | If skin irritation or rash occurs: | 1026 |
| P334 | Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages. CLP verbatim: 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. CLP verbatim: Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do no rub affected area. | — |
| P337 | If eye irritation persists: | 400 |
| P338 | Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. | 902 |
| P340 | Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. | 27 |
| P341 | If breathing is difficult, remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. withdrawn Not in the current CLP Annex IV. Current equivalent: P304 +P340 | — |
| P342 | If experiencing respiratory symptoms: | 27 |
| P350 | Gently wash with plenty of soap and water. not in this system Not part of EU CLP. Current in US HazCom 2012. | — |
| P351 | Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. | — |
| P352 | Wash with plenty of water. CLP verbatim: Wash with plenty of water/… | 936 |
| P353 | Rinse skin with water or shower. CLP verbatim: Rinse skin with water [or shower]. | — |
| P354 | Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. not in this system Not part of EU CLP. Current in UN GHS. | — |
| P360 | Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. | — |
| P361 | Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. | — |
| P362 | Take off contaminated clothing. | — |
| P363 | Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. | — |
| P364 | And wash it before reuse. | — |
| P370 | In case of fire: | 9 |
| P371 | In case of major fire and large quantities: | — |
| P372 | Explosion risk. | — |
| P373 | DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches explosives. | — |
| P374 | Fight fire with normal precautions from a reasonable distance. withdrawn Not in the current CLP Annex IV; deleted without a direct replacement. | — |
| P375 | Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. | — |
| P376 | Stop leak if safe to do so. | 1 |
| P377 | Leaking gas fire: do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely. CLP verbatim: Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely. | — |
| P378 | Use appropriate media to extinguish. CLP verbatim: 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. | 1678 |
| No code in this group matches the filter. | ||
Storage
P401–P422 · 13 codes · 1 used in Annex VIConditions the container must be kept in — ventilation, temperature, light, segregation.
| Code | Precautionary statement | Substances |
|---|---|---|
| P401 | Store in accordance with local regulations. CLP verbatim: Store in accordance with … | — |
| P402 | Store in a dry place. | — |
| P403 | Store in a well-ventilated place. | 453 |
| P404 | Store in a closed container. | — |
| P405 | Store locked up. | — |
| P406 | Store in a corrosion-resistant container with a resistant inner liner. CLP verbatim: Store in corrosive resistant/… container with a resistant inner liner. | — |
| P407 | Maintain air gap between stacks or pallets. | — |
| P410 | Protect from sunlight. | — |
| P411 | Store at temperatures not exceeding the specified temperature. CLP verbatim: Store at temperatures not exceeding … °C/… °F. | — |
| P412 | Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50 °C / 122 °F. CLP verbatim: Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50 °C/122 °F. | — |
| P413 | Store bulk masses above the specified mass at temperatures not exceeding the specified temperature. CLP verbatim: Store bulk masses greater than … kg/… lbs at temperatures not exceeding … °C/… °F. | — |
| P420 | Store separately. | — |
| P422 | Store contents under inert gas. withdrawn Not in the current CLP Annex IV. Current equivalent: P231 +P232 | — |
| No code in this group matches the filter. | ||
Disposal
P501–P503 · 3 codes · 1 used in Annex VIWhat happens to the leftover product and to the empty container.
| Code | Precautionary statement | Substances |
|---|---|---|
| P501 | Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations. CLP verbatim: Dispose of contents/container to … | 2293 |
| P502 | Refer to manufacturer or supplier for information on recovery or recycling. | — |
| P503 | Refer to the manufacturer or supplier for information on disposal, recovery or recycling. CLP verbatim: Refer to manufacturer/supplier/… for information on disposal/recovery/recycling. | — |
| No code in this group matches the filter. | ||
03 · Combined codes
The 27 official combined statements
CLP Annex IV defines these as single label elements. They are not extra instructions — each one is its components printed in order. Every component below links to its own page.
| Code | Combined statement |
|---|---|
| P231 +P232 | Handle and store contents under inert gas. Protect from moisture. CLP verbatim: Handle and store contents under inert gas/… Protect from moisture. |
| P301 +P310 | IF SWALLOWED: immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor. CLP verbatim: IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… |
| P301 +P312 | IF SWALLOWED: call a POISON CENTER or doctor if you feel unwell. CLP verbatim: IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell. |
| P301 +P330 +P331 | IF SWALLOWED: rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. CLP verbatim: IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. |
| P302 +P334 | IF ON SKIN: immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages. CLP verbatim: IF ON SKIN: Immerse in cool water [or wrap in wet bandages]. |
| P302 +P352 | IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of water. CLP verbatim: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water/… |
| P303 +P361 +P353 | IF ON SKIN (or hair): take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower. CLP verbatim: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water [or shower]. |
| P304 +P340 | IF INHALED: remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. CLP verbatim: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
| P305 +P351 +P338 | IF IN EYES: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. CLP verbatim: 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. CLP verbatim: IF ON CLOTHING: Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. |
| P308 +P311 | IF exposed or concerned: call a POISON CENTER or doctor. CLP verbatim: IF exposed or concerned: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… |
| P308 +P313 | IF exposed or concerned: get medical advice or attention. CLP verbatim: IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P332 +P313 | If skin irritation occurs: get medical advice or attention. CLP verbatim: If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P333 +P313 | If skin irritation or rash occurs: get medical advice or attention. CLP verbatim: If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P337 +P313 | If eye irritation persists: get medical advice or attention. CLP verbatim: If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P342 +P311 | If experiencing respiratory symptoms: call a POISON CENTER or doctor. CLP verbatim: If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… |
| P361 +P364 | Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. |
| P362 +P364 | Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. |
| P370 +P376 | In case of fire: stop leak if safe to do so. CLP verbatim: In case of fire: Stop leak if safe to do so. |
| P370 +P378 | In case of fire: use appropriate media to extinguish. CLP verbatim: In case of fire: Use … to extinguish. |
| P370 +P380 +P375 | In case of fire: evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. CLP verbatim: 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. CLP verbatim: In case of major fire and large quantities: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. |
| P402 +P404 | Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container. |
| P403 +P233 | Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. |
| P403 +P235 | Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. |
| 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. CLP verbatim: Protect from sunlight. Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50 °C/122 °F. |
04 · Questions
Common questions
What is a precautionary statement?
A standardised phrase that tells you how to handle a chemical safely, what to do if something goes wrong, how to store it and how to dispose of it. Each one has a code — P280, P501 — so the same instruction reads identically in every language and on every label.
What do P100, P200, P300, P400 and P500 mean?
The first digit is the type of advice: 1 general, 2 prevention, 3 response, 4 storage, 5 disposal. So P280 is a prevention statement and P501 is a disposal statement.
Why does a label say P305+P351+P338 when this list has them separately?
Because the regulation defines combined statements as well: printing three linked instructions as one block reads better on a small label. The combined code is not a new instruction — it is exactly its components, in order. All 27 official combinations are listed below.
What is the difference between hazard statements and precautionary statements?
A hazard statement (H-code) describes what the chemical does to you — “causes serious eye damage”. A precautionary statement (P-code) tells you what to do about it — “wear eye protection”. They always appear together on a label.
Why is a code current in one jurisdiction and withdrawn in another?
GHS is a United Nations model text, revised every two years, and each country adopts a revision on its own timetable. EU CLP, OSHA HazCom and the latest UN GHS are at different points, so the same code can be legally current in one system and deleted in another. Use the jurisdiction switch above the list.
Why does the number of substances differ so much between codes?
The counts come from the harmonised classifications in CLP Annex VI, which cover 4,178 substances. P280 appears on 3,171 of them; a code such as P407 appears on none, because no harmonised entry calls for it. A count of zero does not mean the code is unused in industry — only that no harmonised EU entry carries it.
Counts are computed from harmonised classifications in CLP Annex VI (4,178 substances). The precautionary statements on a real product also depend on the supplier's own classification of the mixture — always check the supplier safety data sheet.
Looking for the hazard side?
Precautionary statements tell you what to do. Hazard statements (H-codes) tell you why. And the storage compatibility tool turns the storage codes into an actual verdict for a given pair of chemicals.