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Archived information is provided for reference and research purposes. Please refer to OSH Answers Fact Sheets for the latest information on a wide range of workplace health and safety topics.

Safety Phrases Used in the Countries of European Union

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What are safety or S-phrases?

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The 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
S2Keep out of reach of children
S3Keep in a cool place
S4Keep away from living quarters
S5Keep contents under....(appropriate liquid to be specified by the manufacturer)
S6Keep under....(inert gas to be specified by the manufacturer)
S7Keep container tightly closed
S8Keep container dry
S9Keep container in a well ventilated place
S12Do not keep the container sealed
S13Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs
S14Keep away from....(incompatible materials to be indicated by the manufacturer)
S15Keep away from heat
S16Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking
S17Keep away from combustible material
S18Handle and open container with care
S20When using do not eat or drink
S21When using do not smoke
S22Do not breathe dust
S23Do not breathe gas/fumes/vapour/spray (appropriate wording to be specified by the manufacturer)
S24Avoid contact with the skin
S25Avoid contact with the eyes
S26In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice
S27Take off immediately all contaminated clothing
S28After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of....(to be specified by the manufacturer)
S29Do not empty into drains
S30Never add water to this product
S33Take 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
S3/9/14Keep in a cool well-ventilated place away from....(incompatible materials to be indicated by manufacturer)
S3/9/14/49Keep only in the original container in a cool well-ventilated place away from....(incompatible materials to be indicated by the manufacturer)
S3/9/49Keep only in the original container in a cool well-ventilated place
S3/14Keep in a cool place away from....(incompatible materials to be indicated by the manufacturer)
S3/7Keep container tightly closed in a cool place
S7/8Keep container tightly closed and dry
S7/9Keep container tightly closed and in a well-ventilated place
S7/47Keep container tightly closed and at a temperature not exceeding....°C (to be specified by manufacturer)
S20/21When using do not eat, drink or smoke
S24/25Avoid contact with skin and eyes
S27/28After contact with skin, take off immediately all contaminated clothing, and wash immediately with plenty of .... (to be specified by the manufacturer)
S29/35Do not empty into drains; dispose of this material and its container in a safe way
S29/56Do not empty into drains, dispose of this material and its container to hazardous or special waste collection point
S36/37Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves
S36/37/39Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection
S36/39Wear suitable protective clothing and eye/face protection
S37/39Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection
S47/49Keep only in the original container at temperature not exceeding....°C (to be specified by manufacturer)

  • Fact sheet last revised: 2012-08-01

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