GHS system for classification and labeling of chemicals

What is GHS system ?

In an attempt to standardize and harmonize the classification and labeling of chemicals worldwide, the United Nations proposes the so-called Globally Harmonized System (GHS).[1] The aim is to develop a worldwide approach to the classification and labeling of chemicals. As well as a set of harmonized criteria on the hazard of chemicals.

With this system, the potential hazards of chemicals are defined and classified, in order to use these criteria in labeling and in the so-called Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). These MSDSs provide information on the hazards and risks of chemicals in handling, storage and transport.

The main objective of the GHS system is to improve the protection of human health and the environment through adequate information on the hazard of chemical compounds to both users and suppliers or transporters.

Hazard pictograms

One of the main elements within this GHS system are the so-called hazard pictograms, which consist of:

  • An icon or symbol. A total of nine standardized hazard symbols have been used. There are three groups that warn of physical hazards, human health hazards and environmental hazards.
    These icons are part of the set of symbols used in the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (Model Regulations) except for the symbol representing the health hazard, the exclamation mark and the fish and tree, which relates to the environment (see Table 1).
  • A geometric figure formed by a square resting on a vertex with a red border.
  • A legend formed by a series of signs and words of danger or warning, collected in the so-called “H-phrases“, which are used in the labeling.

 

Table 1Globally Harmonized System (GHS) icons.
bomb exploding ghs system pictogram flame ghs system pictogram
Bomb exploding Flame
flame on circleghs system pictogram bottle of gas ghs system pictogram
Flame on circle Bottle of gas
corrosion ghs system pictogram skull crossbones ghs system pictogram
Corrosion Skull & crossbones
exclamation mark ghs system pictogram human torso ghs system pictogram
Exclamation mark Human torso
environment ghs system pictogram
Environment

The harmonized criteria allow:

  • Classify chemicals by the danger involved.
  • Label them using statements and world-standarized hazard pictograms.

GHS implementation has already started worldwide and many countries have already incorporated this system.

In Table 2, the pictograms are shown together with their legends that form the GHS system. The pictograms are composed of the aforementioned nine icons included in a square set on the apex, with a red border on a white background.

 

Table 2: Globally Harmonized System (GHS) pictograms.
GHS01 Danger Unstable Explosive ghs system pictogram GHS02 Danger Warning Flammable ghs system pictogram
GHS01 Danger, Unstable, Explosive GHS02 Danger, or Warning, Flammable
GHS03 Danger Warning Oxidizing ghs system pictogram GHS04 Warning Compressed gas ghs system pictogram
GHS03 Danger, or Warning, Oxidizing GHS04 Warning, Compressed gas
GHS05 Danger Warning Corrosive ghs system pictogram GHS06 Danger Toxic ghs system pictogram
GHS05 Danger, or Warning, Corrosive cat. 1 GHS06 Danger, Toxic cat. 1-3
GHS07 Warning Toxic ghs system pictogram GHS08 Danger Warning ghs system pictogram
GHS07 Warning, Toxic cat. 4, Irritant cat. 2 or 3, Lower systemic health hazards GHS08 Danger, or Warning, Systemic health hazards
GHS09 Warning Environmental hazard ghs system pictogram
GHS09 Warning, (for cat. 1), (for cat. 2 no signal word), Environmental hazard

In addition, the format of chemical product labels has been standardized. Each label contains a product identifier, a pictogram, an identification word, a hazard phrase, and supplier information. Chemical manufacturers or suppliers may provide additional information on the label. The category designation is a letter or a number, shown in Table 4 and are included on the MSDS. There are nine pictograms and two words Danger or Warning. Examples of warning phrases are May cause respiratory irritation, Toxic in contact with skin or Heating may cause fire or explosion. The nine GHS hazard pictograms are depicted in Table 2. In addition, there is another group of pictograms that are used for transport (see Table 3).

Table 3: GHS system pictograms used for transportation.
ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram
ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram
ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram
ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram
ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram
ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram
ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram ghs system pictogram
ghs system pictogram

Hazard statements (H-phrases)

Hazard statements or “H-phrases”[2] are phrases assigned to a hazard class or category, describing the nature of the hazards of a substance and, where appropriate, the degree of danger. They are part of the GHS system, to standardize a set of phrases relating to the dangerous chemicals that can be translated into different languages. The United Nations has published the list of “H-phrases” in all official languages.

Each “H-Phrase” is associated with a code beginning with the letter H and followed by three digits. Sentences corresponding to related hazards are grouped together with a code number, therefore the numbering is not consecutive. The code is used as a reference, and it is the phrase itself that must appear on labels and MSDSs.

Table 4 lists the different “H-phrases” codes (see corresponding links) grouped according to three categories: physical hazards (39 codes), health hazards (35 codes) and environmental hazards (8 codes).

 

Table 4: List of «H-phrases» codes.
H-phrases Code  
 
Physical Hazards
H227, H205 no pictogram
H200, H201, H202, H203, H204, H240 ghs system pictogram
H241 ghs system pictogramghs system pictogram
H206, H207, H208, H220, H221, H222, H223, H224, H225, H226, H228, H229, H230, H231, H232, H242, H250, H251, H252, H260, H261 ghs system pictogram
H270, H271, H272 ghs system pictogram
H282, H283 ghs system pictogramghs system pictogram
H280, H281, H284 ghs system pictogram
H290 ghs system pictogram

Health Hazards
H303, H313, H316, H320, H333, H362 no pictogram
H300, H301, H310, H311,  H330, H331, ghs system pictogram
H302, H312, H315, H317, H319, H332, H335, H336 ghs system pictogram
H304, H305, H334, H340, H341, H350, H351, H360, H361, H370, H371, H372, H373 ghs system pictogram
H314,  H318 ghs system pictogram
Environmental Hazards H401, H402, H413, H412 no pictogram
H400, H410, H411 ghs system pictogram
H420 ghs system pictogram
CodesHazard statements
EUH001Explosive when dry
EUH006Explosive with or without contact with air, deleted in the fourth adaptation to technical progress of CLP.
EUH014Reacts violently with water
EUH018In use may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture
EUH019May form explosive peroxides
EUH029Contact with water liberates toxic gas
EUH031Contact with acids liberates toxic gas
EUH032Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas
EUH044Risk of explosion if heated under confinement
EUH059Hazardous to the ozone layer, superseded by GHS Class 5.1 in the second adaptation to technical progress of CLP.
EUH066Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking
EUH070Toxic by eye contact
EUH071Corrosive to the respiratory tract
EUH201Contains lead. Should not be used on surfaces liable to be chewed or sucked by children.
EUH201AWarning! Contains lead.
EUH202Cyanoacrylate. Danger. Bonds skin and eyes in seconds. Keep out of the reach of children.
EUH203Contains chromium(VI). May produce an allergic reaction.
EUH204Contains isocyanates. May produce an allergic reaction.
EUH205Contains epoxy constituents. May produce an allergic reaction.
EUH206Warning! Do not use together with other products. May release dangerous gases (chlorine).
EUH207Warning! Contains cadmium. Dangerous fumes are formed during use. See information supplied by the manufacturer. Comply with the safety instructions.
EUH208Contains . May produce an allergic reaction.
EUH209Can become highly flammable in use.
EUH209ACan become flammable in use.
EUH210Safety data sheet available on request.
EUH211Warning! Hazardous respirable droplets may be formed when sprayed. Do not breathe spray or mist.
EUH212Warning! Hazardous respirable dust may be formed when used. Do not breathe dust
EUH401To avoid risks to human health and the environment, comply with the instructions for use.

Country-specific hazard statements

The European Union has implemented the GHS through the CLP Regulation. There are 24 other codes that can be added to the labeling and that provide supplementary information on the above-mentioned Hazards. A list of the various codes is summarized in Table 5.

Table 5: EU Hazard statements.
Type Code
Physical properties EUH-001, EUH-014, EUH-018, EUH-019, EUH-044
Health properties EUH-029, EUH-031, EUH-032, EUH-066, EUH-070, EUH-071
Environmental properties EUH-059
Other EU hazard statements EUH-201, EUH-201A, EUH-202, EUH-203, EUH-204, EUH-205, EUH-206, EUH-207, EUH-208, EUH-209, EUH-209A, EUH-210, EUH-401
CodesHazard statements
H200Unstable explosive
H201Explosive: mass explosion hazard
H202Explosive: severe projection hazard
H203Explosive: fire, blast or projection hazard
H204Fire or projection hazard
H205May mass explode in fire
H206Fire, blast or projection hazard: increased risk of explosion if desensitizing agent is reduced
H207Fire or projection hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitizing agent is reduced
H208Fire hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitizing agent is reduced
H209Explosive
H210Very explosive
H211May be sensitive
H220Extremely flammable gas
H221Flammable gas
H222Extremely flammable material
H223Flammable material
H224Extremely flammable liquid and vapour
H225Highly flammable liquid and vapour
H226Flammable liquid and vapour
H227Combustible liquid
H228Flammable solid
H229Pressurised container: May burst if heated.
H230May react explosively even in the absence of air
H231May react explosively even in the absence of air at elevated pressure and/or temperature
H232May ignite spontaneously if exposed to air.
H240Heating may cause an explosion
H241Heating may cause a fire or explosion
H242Heating may cause a fire
H250Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air
H251Self-heating: may catch fire
H252Self-heating in large quantities: may catch fire
H260In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously
H261In contact with water releases flammable gas
H270May cause or intensify fire: oxidizer
H271May cause fire or explosion: strong oxidizer
H272May intensify fire: oxidizer
H280Contains gas under pressure: may explode if heated
H281Contains refrigerated gas: may cause cryogenic burns or injury
H282Extremely flammable chemical under pressure: May explode if heated
H283Flammable chemical under pressure: May explode if heated
H284Chemical under pressure: May explode if heated
H290May be corrosive to metals
H300Fatal if swallowed
H300+H310Fatal if swallowed or in contact with skin
H300+H310+H330Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled
H300+H330Fatal if swallowed or if inhaled
H301Toxic if swallowed
H301+H311Toxic if swallowed or in contact with skin
H301+H311+H331Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled
H301+H331Toxic if swallowed or if inhaled
H302Harmful if swallowed
H302+H312Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin
H302+H312+H332Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled
H302+H332Harmful if swallowed or inhaled
H303May be harmful if swallowed
H303+H313May be harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin
H303+H313+H333May be harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled
H303+H333May be harmful if swallowed or if inhaled
H304May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
H305May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways
H310Fatal in contact with skin
H310+H330Fatal in contact with skin or if inhaled
H311Toxic in contact with skin
H311+H331Toxic in contact with skin or if inhaled
H312Harmful in contact with skin
H312+H332Harmful in contact with skin or if inhaled
H313May be harmful in contact with skin
H313+H333May be harmful in contact with skin or if inhaled
H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H315Causes skin irritation
H315+H320Causes skin and eye irritation
H316Causes mild skin irritation
H317May cause an allergic skin reaction
H318Causes serious eye damage
H319Causes serious eye irritation
H320Causes eye irritation
H330Fatal if inhaled
H331Toxic if inhaled
H332Harmful if inhaled
H333May be harmful if inhaled
H334May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
H335May cause respiratory irritation
H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness
H340May cause genetic defects
H341Suspected of causing genetic defects
H350May cause cancer
H350iMay cause cancer by inhalation
H351Suspected of causing cancer
H360May damage fertility or the unborn child
H360DMay damage the unborn child
H360DfMay damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility.
H360FMay damage fertility
H360FDMay damage fertility. May damage the unborn child.
H360FdMay damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
H361dSuspected of damaging the unborn child
H361fSuspected of damaging fertility
H361fdSuspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
H362May cause harm to breast-fed children
H370Causes damage to organs
H371May cause damage to organs
H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H400Very toxic to aquatic life
H401Toxic to aquatic life
H402Harmful to aquatic life
H410Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
H411Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
H412Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects
H413May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life
H420Harms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere
H441Very toxic to terrestrial invertebrates

Precautionary statements (P-phrases)

In addition to the supplementary information on hazards, precautionary statements have been drawn up with the following codes (see corresponding link for additional information):

P100 – GENERAL precautionary statements

P101, P102, P103

P200 – PREVENTION precautionary statements

P201, P202, P210, P211, P220, P222, P223, P230, P231, P231+P232, P232, P233, P234, P235, P240, P241, P242, P243, P244, P250, P251, P260, P261, P262, P263, P264, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P282, P283, P284

P300 – RESPONSE precautionary statements

P340, P342, P342+P311, P351, P352, P353, P360, P361, P362, P363, P370, P370+P376, P370+P378, P370+P380+P375, P371, P371+P380+P375, P372, P373, P375, P376, P377, P378, P380, P381, P390, P391

P400 – STORAGE precautionary statements

P401, P402, P402+P404, P403, P403+P233, P403+P235, P404, P405, P406, P407, P410, P410+P403, P410+P412, P411, P412, P413, P420

P500 – ELIMINATION precautionary statements

P501

CodesHazard statements
P101If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.
P102Keep out of reach of children.
P103Read label before use.
P201Obtain special instructions before use.
P202Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
P203Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P210Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking.
P210aKeep away from heat. - No smoking.
P210bKeep away from sparks. - No smoking.
P210cKeep away from open flames. - No smoking.
P210dKeep away from hot surfaces. - No smoking.
P211Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source.
P220Keep/Store away from clothing/combustible materials.
P220aKeep away from clothing.
P220bKeep away from combustible materials.
P220cKeep away from reducing agents, heavy metal compounds, acids and alkalis.
P220dKeep away from oxidising and acidic substances, as well as heavy metal compounds.
P220eKeep away from iron.
P220fKeep away from water.
P220gKeep away from acids.
P220hKeep away from alkaline solutions.
P220iKeep away from metals.
P220jKeep away from oxidising agents and acidic substances.
P220kKeep away from flammable organic substances.
P220lKeep away from acids, reducing agents and flammable materials.
P221Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles.
P222Do not allow contact with air.
P223Keep away from any possible contact with water, because of violent reaction and possible flash fire.
P230Keep contents moist.
P230aKeep wetted with water.
P231Handle under inert gas.
P231+P232Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture.
P232Protect from moisture.
P233Keep container tightly closed.
P234Keep only in original container.
P235Keep cool.
P235+P410Keep cool. Protect from sunlight.
P240Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.
P241Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/ equipment.
P242Use only non-sparking tools.
P243Take precautionary measures against static discharge.
P244Keep reduction valves free from grease and oil.
P250Do not subject to grinding/shock/friction.
P251Pressurized container: Do not pierce or burn, even after use.
P251aPressurised container: May burst if heated.
P260Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
P263Avoid contact during pregnancy/while nursing.
P264Wash thoroughly after handling.
P264bWash face, hands and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
P264cWash hands thoroughly after handling.
P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P273Avoid release to the environment.
P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P280aWear protective gloves and eye/face protection.
P280bWear protective gloves and eye protection.
P280cWear protective gloves and face protection.
P280dWear protective clothing and eye protection.
P280eWear protective clothing and face protection.
P280fWear protective clothing.
P280gWear protective gloves.
P280hWear protective gloves/clothing.
P280iWear eye/face protection.
P280jWear face protection.
P280kWear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection.
P281Use personal protective equipment as required.
P282Wear cold insulating gloves/face shield/eye protection.
P283Wear fire/flame resistant/retardant clothing.
P284Wear respiratory protection.
P285In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
P301IF SWALLOWED:
P301+P310IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P301+P312IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
P301+P330+P331IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P302IF ON SKIN:
P302+P334IF ON SKIN: Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages.
P302+P350IF ON SKIN: Gently wash with plenty of soap and water.
P302+P352IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water.
P303IF ON SKIN (or hair):
P303+P361+P353IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
P304IF INHALED:
P304+P312IF INHALED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
P304+P340IF INHALED: Remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
P304+P341IF INHALED: If breathing is difficult, remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
P305IF IN EYES:
P305+P351+P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P306IF ON CLOTHING:
P306+P360IF ON CLOTHING: rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes.
P307IF exposed:
P307+P311IF exposed: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P308IF exposed or concerned:
P308+P313IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.
P309IF exposed or if you feel unwell:
P309+P311IF exposed or if you feel unwell: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P310Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P311Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P312Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
P313Get medical advice/attention.
P314Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
P315Get immediate medical advice/attention.
P320Specific treatment is urgent (see label).
P321Specific treatment (see label).
P322Specific measures (see label).
P330Rinse mouth.
P331Do NOT induce vomiting.
P332If skin irritation occurs:
P332+P313If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P333If skin irritation or rash occurs:
P333+P313If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P334Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages.
P335Brush off loose particles from skin.
P335+P334Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages.
P336Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected area.
P337If eye irritation persists:
P337+P313If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention.
P338Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P340Remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
P341If breathing is difficult, remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
P342If experiencing respiratory symptoms:
P342+P311If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
P350Gently wash with plenty of soap and water.
P351Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
P352Wash with plenty of soap and water.
P353Rinse skin with water/shower.
P360Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes.
P361Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
P362Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
P370In case of fire:
P370+P376In case of fire: Stop leak if safe to do so.
P370+P378In case of fire: Use for extinction:
P370+P378aIn case of fire: Use for extinction: CO2, powder or water spray.
P370+P378bIn case of fire: Use for extinction: Special powder for metal fires.
P370+P378cIn case of fire: Use for extinction: CO2, sand, extinguishing powder.
P370+P378dIn case of fire: Use for extinction: Water.
P370+P378eIn case of fire: Use for extinction: Water haze.
P370+P378fIn case of fire: Use for extinction: Water spray.
P370+P378gIn case of fire: Use for extinction: Foam.
P370+P378hIn case of fire: Use for extinction: Alcohol resistant foam.
P370+P378iIn case of fire: Use for extinction: Fire-extinguishing powder.
P370+P378jIn case of fire: Use for extinction: BC powder.
P370+P378kIn case of fire: Use for extinction: ABC powder.
P370+P378lIn case of fire: Use for extinction: Carbon dioxide.
P370+P378mIn case of fire: Use for extinction: Limestone powder.
P370+P378nIn case of fire: Use for extinction: Cement.
P370+P378oIn case of fire: Use for extinction: Sand.
P370+P378pIn case of fire: Use for extinction: Dry sand.
P370+P378qIn case of fire: Use CO2, dry chemical, or foam for extinction.
P370+P378rIn case of fire: Use dry sand, dry chemical or alcohol-resistant foam for extinction.
P370+P378sIn case of fire: Use fire-fighting equipment on basis class D for extinction.
P370+P380In case of fire: Evacuate area.
P370+P380+P375In case of fire: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion.
P371In case of major fire and large quantities:
P371+P380+P375In case of major fire and large quantities: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion.
P372Explosion risk in case of fire.
P373DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches explosives.
P374Fight fire with normal precautions from a reasonable distance.
P375Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion.
P376Stop leak if safe to do so.
P377Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely.
P378Use for extinction:
P378aUse for extinction: CO2, powder or water spray.
P378aaDry chemical.
P378abDry powder.
P378acDry sand.
P378adDry sodium carbonate.
P378aeDry sodium chloride.
P378bUse for extinction: Special powder for metal fires.
P378cUse for extinction: CO2, sand, extinguishing powder.
P378dUse for extinction: Water.
P378eUse for extinction: Water haze.
P378fUse for extinction: Water spray.
P378gUse for extinction: Foam.
P378hUse for extinction: Alcohol resistant foam.
P378iUse for extinction: Fire-extinguishing powder.
P378jUse for extinction: BC powder.
P378kUse for extinction: ABC powder.
P378lUse for extinction: Carbon dioxide.
P378mUse for extinction: Limestone powder.
P378nUse for extinction: Cement.
P378oUse for extinction: Sand.
P378pUse for extinction: Dry sand.
P378qUse CO2, dry chemical, or foam.
P380Evacuate area.
P381Eliminate all ignition sources if safe to do so.
P390Absorb spillage to prevent material damage.
P391Collect spillage.
P401Store in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.
P401aStore in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.
P402Store in a dry place.
P402+P404Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container.
P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
P403+P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P403+P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
P404Store in a closed container.
P405Store locked up.
P406Store in corrosive resistant container with a resistant inner liner.
P406aStore in corrosive resistant polyethylene container with a resistant inliner.
P406bStore in corrosive resistant polypropylene container with a resistant inliner.
P406cStore in corrosive resistant stainless steel container with a resistant inliner.
P407Maintain air gap between stacks/pallets.
P410Protect from sunlight.
P410+P403Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place.
P410+P412Protect from sunlight. Do no expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C/ 122°F.
P411Store at temperatures not exceeding ... °C/ ...°F.
P411+P235Store at temperatures not exceeding ... °C/ ... °F. Keep cool.
P411aStore at temperatures not exceeding $°C.
P411a+P235Store at temperatures not exceeding $°C. Keep cool.
P411bStore at temperatures not exceeding $°F.
P411b+P235Store at temperatures not exceeding $°F. Keep cool.
P412Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C/ 122°F.
P413Store bulk masses greater than ... kg/ ... lbs at temperatures not exceeding ... °C/ ... °F.
P413aStore bulk masses greater than $ kg at temperatures not exceeding $°C.
P413bStore bulk masses greater than $ lbs at temperatures not exceeding $°F.
P420Store away from other materials.
P420aStore away from foodstuffs.
P420bStore away from flammable substances.
P420cStore away from oxidizing agents.
P420dStore away from reducing agents.
P420eStore away from water.
P420fStore away from metals.
P420gStore away from acids.
P420hStore away from caustic solutions.
P422Store contents under ...
P422aStore contents under inert gas.
P422bStore contents under protective gas.
P422cStore contents under solvent.
P422dStore under water.
P422eStore in petroleum.
P422fStore in nitrogen.
P501Dispose of contents/container to ...
P501aDispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations.
P501bDispose of contents/ container to an approved incineration plant.
P501cDispose of contents/ container to an approved waste disposal plant.
P502Refer to manufacturer/supplier for information on recovery/recycling.

Material safety data sheets (MSDS)

Safety data sheets are also referred to as MSDSs. It is a document that provides detailed information on chemicals. It also includes a description of the precautions to be taken for handling and immediate emergency measures for such products. Additionally, they include their potential risk of physical harm to humans and the environment.

They contain information of vital importance for the transport of these dangerous goods and for the handling of these goods by laboratory personnel.

Thus, these sheets offer information on control and prevention measures. Therefore, the purpose of this information is to reduce the risk of accidents to both people and the environment.

In every laboratory, it is mandatory to have the corresponding data sheets. These must be prepared by the manufacturer of the chemical products and kept up to date. Moreover, the format of these data sheets varies depending on the manufacturer or the legislation of the different countries. In addition, many products are required to include the product safety record on the label.

Video about GHS system

References and notes

[1] The GHS was originated from Chapter 19 of Agenda 21, aproved at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, 1992) and adopted in 2002.

[2] The “H-phrases“, are included in Annex III of Regulation 1272/2008. Since June 1, 2015, this regulation will repeal Directive 67/548/EEC.

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