Safety Phrases Used in the Countries of European Union
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What are safety or S-phrases?
Back to topThe following safety phrases (or S-phrases) and the corresponding number codes are used in countries of the European Union (EU). These phrases or combination of phrases describe the safety precautions to take when handling a chemical product. After a chemical is classified according to its risk, the appropriate safety phrase is provided on the container label, along with other information required by the EU. More than one phrase may be required.
These phrases will no longer be in use as the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is phased in. Currently in the EU, GHS guidelines should be used for pure substances, with the requirements for mixtures coming into effect by June 1, 2015. This summary is being kept because you may receive Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) or Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) with R and S (safety) phrases, depending on the product. In addition, older MSDSs/SDSs may still be kept or used within workplaces.
Phrases are revised according to 2001/59/EC - Effective Date August 6, 2001
Code | Phrase |
---|---|
S1 | Keep locked up |
S2 | Keep out of reach of children |
S3 | Keep in a cool place |
S4 | Keep away from living quarters |
S5 | Keep contents under....(appropriate liquid to be specified by the manufacturer) |
S6 | Keep under....(inert gas to be specified by the manufacturer) |
S7 | Keep container tightly closed |
S8 | Keep container dry |
S9 | Keep container in a well ventilated place |
S12 | Do not keep the container sealed |
S13 | Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs |
S14 | Keep away from....(incompatible materials to be indicated by the manufacturer) |
S15 | Keep away from heat |
S16 | Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking |
S17 | Keep away from combustible material |
S18 | Handle and open container with care |
S20 | When using do not eat or drink |
S21 | When using do not smoke |
S22 | Do not breathe dust |
S23 | Do not breathe gas/fumes/vapour/spray (appropriate wording to be specified by the manufacturer) |
S24 | Avoid contact with the skin |
S25 | Avoid contact with the eyes |
S26 | In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice |
S27 | Take off immediately all contaminated clothing |
S28 | After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of....(to be specified by the manufacturer) |
S29 | Do not empty into drains |
S30 | Never add water to this product |
S33 | Take precautionary measures against static discharges |
S35 | This material and its container must be disposed of in a safe way |
S36 | Wear suitable protective clothing |
S37 | Wear suitable gloves |
S38 | In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment |
S39 | Wear eye/face protection |
S40 | To clean the floor and all objects contaminated by this material use....(to be specified by the manufacturer) |
S41 | In case of fire and/or explosion do not breathe fumes |
S42 | During fumigation/spraying wear suitable respiratory equipment (appropriate wording to be specified) |
S43 | In case of fire, use....(indicate in the space the precise type of fire fighting equipment. If water increases the risk add - Never use water) |
S45 | In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label where possible) |
S46 | If swallowed seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label |
S47 | Keep at temperature not exceeding....°C (to be specified by the manufacturer) |
S48 | Keep wet with....(appropriate material to be specified by the manufacturer) |
S49 | Keep only in the original container |
S50 | Do not mix with....(to be specified by the manufacturer) |
S51 | Use only in well-ventilated areas |
S52 | Not recommended for interior use on large surface areas |
S53 | Avoid exposure - obtain special instruction before use |
S56 | Dispose of this material and its container to hazardous or special waste collection point |
S57 | Use appropriate containment to avoid environmental contamination |
S59 | Refer to manufacturer/supplier for information on recovery/recycling |
S60 | This material and/or its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste |
S61 | Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions/safety data sheet |
S62 | If swallowed, do not induce vomiting seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label |
S63 | In case of accident by inhalation, remove casualty to fresh air and keep at rest |
S64 | If swallowed, rinse mouth with water (only if person is conscious) |
Combination of safety precautions
Code | Phrase |
---|---|
S1/2 | Keep locked up and out of the reach of children |
S3/9/14 | Keep in a cool well-ventilated place away from....(incompatible materials to be indicated by manufacturer) |
S3/9/14/49 | Keep only in the original container in a cool well-ventilated place away from....(incompatible materials to be indicated by the manufacturer) |
S3/9/49 | Keep only in the original container in a cool well-ventilated place |
S3/14 | Keep in a cool place away from....(incompatible materials to be indicated by the manufacturer) |
S3/7 | Keep container tightly closed in a cool place |
S7/8 | Keep container tightly closed and dry |
S7/9 | Keep container tightly closed and in a well-ventilated place |
S7/47 | Keep container tightly closed and at a temperature not exceeding....°C (to be specified by manufacturer) |
S20/21 | When using do not eat, drink or smoke |
S24/25 | Avoid contact with skin and eyes |
S27/28 | After contact with skin, take off immediately all contaminated clothing, and wash immediately with plenty of .... (to be specified by the manufacturer) |
S29/35 | Do not empty into drains; dispose of this material and its container in a safe way |
S29/56 | Do not empty into drains, dispose of this material and its container to hazardous or special waste collection point |
S36/37 | Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves |
S36/37/39 | Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection |
S36/39 | Wear suitable protective clothing and eye/face protection |
S37/39 | Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection |
S47/49 | Keep only in the original container at temperature not exceeding....°C (to be specified by manufacturer) |
- Fact sheet last revised: 2012-08-01