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.
Bomb exploding | Flame |
Flame on circle | Bottle of gas |
Corrosion | Skull & crossbones |
Exclamation mark | Human torso |
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.
GHS01 Danger, Unstable, Explosive | GHS02 Danger, or Warning, Flammable |
GHS03 Danger, or Warning, Oxidizing | GHS04 Warning, Compressed gas |
GHS05 Danger, or Warning, Corrosive cat. 1 | GHS06 Danger, Toxic cat. 1-3 |
GHS07 Warning, Toxic cat. 4, Irritant cat. 2 or 3, Lower systemic health hazards | GHS08 Danger, or Warning, Systemic health hazards |
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).
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).
H-phrases | Code | |
Physical Hazards |
H227, H205 | no pictogram |
H200, H201, H202, H203, H204, H240 | ||
H241 | ||
H206, H207, H208, H220, H221, H222, H223, H224, H225, H226, H228, H229, H230, H231, H232, H242, H250, H251, H252, H260, H261 | ||
H270, H271, H272 | ||
H282, H283 | ||
H280, H281, H284 | ||
H290 | ||
Health Hazards |
H303, H313, H316, H320, H333, H362 | no pictogram |
H300, H301, H310, H311, H330, H331, | ||
H302, H312, H315, H317, H319, H332, H335, H336 | ||
H304, H305, H334, H340, H341, H350, H351, H360, H361, H370, H371, H372, H373 | ||
H314, H318 | ||
Environmental Hazards | H401, H402, H413, H412 | no pictogram |
H400, H410, H411 | ||
H420 |
Codes | Hazard statements |
---|---|
EUH001 | Explosive when dry |
EUH006 | Explosive with or without contact with air, deleted in the fourth adaptation to technical progress of CLP. |
EUH014 | Reacts violently with water |
EUH018 | In use may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture |
EUH019 | May form explosive peroxides |
EUH029 | Contact with water liberates toxic gas |
EUH031 | Contact with acids liberates toxic gas |
EUH032 | Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas |
EUH044 | Risk of explosion if heated under confinement |
EUH059 | Hazardous to the ozone layer, superseded by GHS Class 5.1 in the second adaptation to technical progress of CLP. |
EUH066 | Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking |
EUH070 | Toxic by eye contact |
EUH071 | Corrosive to the respiratory tract |
EUH201 | Contains lead. Should not be used on surfaces liable to be chewed or sucked by children. |
EUH201A | Warning! Contains lead. |
EUH202 | Cyanoacrylate. Danger. Bonds skin and eyes in seconds. Keep out of the reach of children. |
EUH203 | Contains chromium(VI). May produce an allergic reaction. |
EUH204 | Contains isocyanates. May produce an allergic reaction. |
EUH205 | Contains epoxy constituents. May produce an allergic reaction. |
EUH206 | Warning! Do not use together with other products. May release dangerous gases (chlorine). |
EUH207 | Warning! Contains cadmium. Dangerous fumes are formed during use. See information supplied by the manufacturer. Comply with the safety instructions. |
EUH208 | Contains |
EUH209 | Can become highly flammable in use. |
EUH209A | Can become flammable in use. |
EUH210 | Safety data sheet available on request. |
EUH211 | Warning! Hazardous respirable droplets may be formed when sprayed. Do not breathe spray or mist. |
EUH212 | Warning! Hazardous respirable dust may be formed when used. Do not breathe dust |
EUH401 | To 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.
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 |
Codes | Hazard statements |
---|---|
H200 | Unstable explosive |
H201 | Explosive: mass explosion hazard |
H202 | Explosive: severe projection hazard |
H203 | Explosive: fire, blast or projection hazard |
H204 | Fire or projection hazard |
H205 | May mass explode in fire |
H206 | Fire, blast or projection hazard: increased risk of explosion if desensitizing agent is reduced |
H207 | Fire or projection hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitizing agent is reduced |
H208 | Fire hazard; increased risk of explosion if desensitizing agent is reduced |
H209 | Explosive |
H210 | Very explosive |
H211 | May be sensitive |
H220 | Extremely flammable gas |
H221 | Flammable gas |
H222 | Extremely flammable material |
H223 | Flammable material |
H224 | Extremely flammable liquid and vapour |
H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour |
H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour |
H227 | Combustible liquid |
H228 | Flammable solid |
H229 | Pressurised container: May burst if heated. |
H230 | May react explosively even in the absence of air |
H231 | May react explosively even in the absence of air at elevated pressure and/or temperature |
H232 | May ignite spontaneously if exposed to air. |
H240 | Heating may cause an explosion |
H241 | Heating may cause a fire or explosion |
H242 | Heating may cause a fire |
H250 | Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air |
H251 | Self-heating: may catch fire |
H252 | Self-heating in large quantities: may catch fire |
H260 | In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously |
H261 | In contact with water releases flammable gas |
H270 | May cause or intensify fire: oxidizer |
H271 | May cause fire or explosion: strong oxidizer |
H272 | May intensify fire: oxidizer |
H280 | Contains gas under pressure: may explode if heated |
H281 | Contains refrigerated gas: may cause cryogenic burns or injury |
H282 | Extremely flammable chemical under pressure: May explode if heated |
H283 | Flammable chemical under pressure: May explode if heated |
H284 | Chemical under pressure: May explode if heated |
H290 | May be corrosive to metals |
H300 | Fatal if swallowed |
H300+H310 | Fatal if swallowed or in contact with skin |
H300+H310+H330 | Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled |
H300+H330 | Fatal if swallowed or if inhaled |
H301 | Toxic if swallowed |
H301+H311 | Toxic if swallowed or in contact with skin |
H301+H311+H331 | Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled |
H301+H331 | Toxic if swallowed or if inhaled |
H302 | Harmful if swallowed |
H302+H312 | Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin |
H302+H312+H332 | Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled |
H302+H332 | Harmful if swallowed or inhaled |
H303 | May be harmful if swallowed |
H303+H313 | May be harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin |
H303+H313+H333 | May be harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled |
H303+H333 | May be harmful if swallowed or if inhaled |
H304 | May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways |
H305 | May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways |
H310 | Fatal in contact with skin |
H310+H330 | Fatal in contact with skin or if inhaled |
H311 | Toxic in contact with skin |
H311+H331 | Toxic in contact with skin or if inhaled |
H312 | Harmful in contact with skin |
H312+H332 | Harmful in contact with skin or if inhaled |
H313 | May be harmful in contact with skin |
H313+H333 | May be harmful in contact with skin or if inhaled |
H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage |
H315 | Causes skin irritation |
H315+H320 | Causes skin and eye irritation |
H316 | Causes mild skin irritation |
H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction |
H318 | Causes serious eye damage |
H319 | Causes serious eye irritation |
H320 | Causes eye irritation |
H330 | Fatal if inhaled |
H331 | Toxic if inhaled |
H332 | Harmful if inhaled |
H333 | May be harmful if inhaled |
H334 | May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled |
H335 | May cause respiratory irritation |
H336 | May cause drowsiness or dizziness |
H340 | May cause genetic defects |
H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects |
H350 | May cause cancer |
H350i | May cause cancer by inhalation |
H351 | Suspected of causing cancer |
H360 | May damage fertility or the unborn child |
H360D | May damage the unborn child |
H360Df | May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility. |
H360F | May damage fertility |
H360FD | May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child. |
H360Fd | May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. |
H361 | Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child |
H361d | Suspected of damaging the unborn child |
H361f | Suspected of damaging fertility |
H361fd | Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. |
H362 | May cause harm to breast-fed children |
H370 | Causes damage to organs |
H371 | May cause damage to organs |
H372 | Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure |
H373 | May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure |
H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life |
H401 | Toxic to aquatic life |
H402 | Harmful to aquatic life |
H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects |
H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects |
H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects |
H413 | May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life |
H420 | Harms public health and the environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere |
H441 | Very 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
Codes | Hazard statements |
---|---|
P101 | If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand. |
P102 | Keep out of reach of children. |
P103 | Read label before use. |
P201 | Obtain special instructions before use. |
P202 | Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. |
P203 | Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. |
P210 | Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking. |
P210a | Keep away from heat. - No smoking. |
P210b | Keep away from sparks. - No smoking. |
P210c | Keep away from open flames. - No smoking. |
P210d | Keep away from hot surfaces. - No smoking. |
P211 | Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source. |
P220 | Keep/Store away from clothing/combustible materials. |
P220a | Keep away from clothing. |
P220b | Keep away from combustible materials. |
P220c | Keep away from reducing agents, heavy metal compounds, acids and alkalis. |
P220d | Keep away from oxidising and acidic substances, as well as heavy metal compounds. |
P220e | Keep away from iron. |
P220f | Keep away from water. |
P220g | Keep away from acids. |
P220h | Keep away from alkaline solutions. |
P220i | Keep away from metals. |
P220j | Keep away from oxidising agents and acidic substances. |
P220k | Keep away from flammable organic substances. |
P220l | Keep away from acids, reducing agents and flammable materials. |
P221 | Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles. |
P222 | Do not allow contact with air. |
P223 | Keep away from any possible contact with water, because of violent reaction and possible flash fire. |
P230 | Keep contents moist. |
P230a | Keep wetted with water. |
P231 | Handle under inert gas. |
P231+P232 | Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture. |
P232 | Protect from moisture. |
P233 | Keep container tightly closed. |
P234 | Keep only in original container. |
P235 | Keep cool. |
P235+P410 | Keep cool. Protect from sunlight. |
P240 | Ground/bond container and receiving equipment. |
P241 | Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/ equipment. |
P242 | Use only non-sparking tools. |
P243 | Take precautionary measures against static discharge. |
P244 | Keep reduction valves free from grease and oil. |
P250 | Do not subject to grinding/shock/friction. |
P251 | Pressurized container: Do not pierce or burn, even after use. |
P251a | Pressurised container: May burst if heated. |
P260 | Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. |
P261 | Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. |
P262 | Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. |
P263 | Avoid contact during pregnancy/while nursing. |
P264 | Wash thoroughly after handling. |
P264b | Wash face, hands and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling. |
P264c | Wash hands thoroughly after handling. |
P270 | Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. |
P271 | Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. |
P272 | Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. |
P273 | Avoid release to the environment. |
P280 | Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. |
P280a | Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection. |
P280b | Wear protective gloves and eye protection. |
P280c | Wear protective gloves and face protection. |
P280d | Wear protective clothing and eye protection. |
P280e | Wear protective clothing and face protection. |
P280f | Wear protective clothing. |
P280g | Wear protective gloves. |
P280h | Wear protective gloves/clothing. |
P280i | Wear eye/face protection. |
P280j | Wear face protection. |
P280k | Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection. |
P281 | Use personal protective equipment as required. |
P282 | Wear cold insulating gloves/face shield/eye protection. |
P283 | Wear fire/flame resistant/retardant clothing. |
P284 | Wear respiratory protection. |
P285 | In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection. |
P301 | IF SWALLOWED: |
P301+P310 | IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
P301+P312 | IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. |
P301+P330+P331 | IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. |
P302 | IF ON SKIN: |
P302+P334 | IF ON SKIN: Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages. |
P302+P350 | IF ON SKIN: Gently wash with plenty of soap and water. |
P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. |
P303 | IF ON SKIN (or hair): |
P303+P361+P353 | IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. |
P304 | IF INHALED: |
P304+P312 | IF INHALED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. |
P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. |
P304+P341 | IF INHALED: If breathing is difficult, remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. |
P305 | IF IN EYES: |
P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. |
P306 | IF ON CLOTHING: |
P306+P360 | IF ON CLOTHING: rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. |
P307 | IF exposed: |
P307+P311 | IF exposed: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
P308 | IF exposed or concerned: |
P308+P313 | IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. |
P309 | IF exposed or if you feel unwell: |
P309+P311 | IF exposed or if you feel unwell: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
P310 | Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
P311 | Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
P312 | Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell. |
P313 | Get medical advice/attention. |
P314 | Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. |
P315 | Get immediate medical advice/attention. |
P320 | Specific treatment is urgent (see label). |
P321 | Specific treatment (see label). |
P322 | Specific measures (see label). |
P330 | Rinse mouth. |
P331 | Do NOT induce vomiting. |
P332 | If skin irritation occurs: |
P332+P313 | If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. |
P333 | If skin irritation or rash occurs: |
P333+P313 | If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention. |
P334 | Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages. |
P335 | Brush off loose particles from skin. |
P335+P334 | Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages. |
P336 | Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected area. |
P337 | If eye irritation persists: |
P337+P313 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
P338 | Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. |
P340 | Remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. |
P341 | If breathing is difficult, remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. |
P342 | If experiencing respiratory symptoms: |
P342+P311 | If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. |
P350 | Gently wash with plenty of soap and water. |
P351 | Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. |
P352 | Wash with plenty of soap and water. |
P353 | Rinse skin with water/shower. |
P360 | Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. |
P361 | Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. |
P362 | Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. |
P363 | Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. |
P370 | In case of fire: |
P370+P376 | In case of fire: Stop leak if safe to do so. |
P370+P378 | In case of fire: Use for extinction: |
P370+P378a | In case of fire: Use for extinction: CO2, powder or water spray. |
P370+P378b | In case of fire: Use for extinction: Special powder for metal fires. |
P370+P378c | In case of fire: Use for extinction: CO2, sand, extinguishing powder. |
P370+P378d | In case of fire: Use for extinction: Water. |
P370+P378e | In case of fire: Use for extinction: Water haze. |
P370+P378f | In case of fire: Use for extinction: Water spray. |
P370+P378g | In case of fire: Use for extinction: Foam. |
P370+P378h | In case of fire: Use for extinction: Alcohol resistant foam. |
P370+P378i | In case of fire: Use for extinction: Fire-extinguishing powder. |
P370+P378j | In case of fire: Use for extinction: BC powder. |
P370+P378k | In case of fire: Use for extinction: ABC powder. |
P370+P378l | In case of fire: Use for extinction: Carbon dioxide. |
P370+P378m | In case of fire: Use for extinction: Limestone powder. |
P370+P378n | In case of fire: Use for extinction: Cement. |
P370+P378o | In case of fire: Use for extinction: Sand. |
P370+P378p | In case of fire: Use for extinction: Dry sand. |
P370+P378q | In case of fire: Use CO2, dry chemical, or foam for extinction. |
P370+P378r | In case of fire: Use dry sand, dry chemical or alcohol-resistant foam for extinction. |
P370+P378s | In case of fire: Use fire-fighting equipment on basis class D for extinction. |
P370+P380 | In case of fire: Evacuate area. |
P370+P380+P375 | In case of fire: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. |
P371 | In case of major fire and large quantities: |
P371+P380+P375 | In case of major fire and large quantities: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. |
P372 | Explosion risk in case of fire. |
P373 | DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches explosives. |
P374 | Fight fire with normal precautions from a reasonable distance. |
P375 | Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. |
P376 | Stop leak if safe to do so. |
P377 | Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely. |
P378 | Use for extinction: |
P378a | Use for extinction: CO2, powder or water spray. |
P378aa | Dry chemical. |
P378ab | Dry powder. |
P378ac | Dry sand. |
P378ad | Dry sodium carbonate. |
P378ae | Dry sodium chloride. |
P378b | Use for extinction: Special powder for metal fires. |
P378c | Use for extinction: CO2, sand, extinguishing powder. |
P378d | Use for extinction: Water. |
P378e | Use for extinction: Water haze. |
P378f | Use for extinction: Water spray. |
P378g | Use for extinction: Foam. |
P378h | Use for extinction: Alcohol resistant foam. |
P378i | Use for extinction: Fire-extinguishing powder. |
P378j | Use for extinction: BC powder. |
P378k | Use for extinction: ABC powder. |
P378l | Use for extinction: Carbon dioxide. |
P378m | Use for extinction: Limestone powder. |
P378n | Use for extinction: Cement. |
P378o | Use for extinction: Sand. |
P378p | Use for extinction: Dry sand. |
P378q | Use CO2, dry chemical, or foam. |
P380 | Evacuate area. |
P381 | Eliminate all ignition sources if safe to do so. |
P390 | Absorb spillage to prevent material damage. |
P391 | Collect spillage. |
P401 | Store in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations. |
P401a | Store in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations. |
P402 | Store in a dry place. |
P402+P404 | Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container. |
P403 | Store in a well-ventilated place. |
P403+P233 | Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. |
P403+P235 | Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. |
P404 | Store in a closed container. |
P405 | Store locked up. |
P406 | Store in corrosive resistant container with a resistant inner liner. |
P406a | Store in corrosive resistant polyethylene container with a resistant inliner. |
P406b | Store in corrosive resistant polypropylene container with a resistant inliner. |
P406c | Store in corrosive resistant stainless steel container with a resistant inliner. |
P407 | Maintain air gap between stacks/pallets. |
P410 | Protect from sunlight. |
P410+P403 | Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place. |
P410+P412 | Protect from sunlight. Do no expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C/ 122°F. |
P411 | Store at temperatures not exceeding ... °C/ ...°F. |
P411+P235 | Store at temperatures not exceeding ... °C/ ... °F. Keep cool. |
P411a | Store at temperatures not exceeding $°C. |
P411a+P235 | Store at temperatures not exceeding $°C. Keep cool. |
P411b | Store at temperatures not exceeding $°F. |
P411b+P235 | Store at temperatures not exceeding $°F. Keep cool. |
P412 | Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C/ 122°F. |
P413 | Store bulk masses greater than ... kg/ ... lbs at temperatures not exceeding ... °C/ ... °F. |
P413a | Store bulk masses greater than $ kg at temperatures not exceeding $°C. |
P413b | Store bulk masses greater than $ lbs at temperatures not exceeding $°F. |
P420 | Store away from other materials. |
P420a | Store away from foodstuffs. |
P420b | Store away from flammable substances. |
P420c | Store away from oxidizing agents. |
P420d | Store away from reducing agents. |
P420e | Store away from water. |
P420f | Store away from metals. |
P420g | Store away from acids. |
P420h | Store away from caustic solutions. |
P422 | Store contents under ... |
P422a | Store contents under inert gas. |
P422b | Store contents under protective gas. |
P422c | Store contents under solvent. |
P422d | Store under water. |
P422e | Store in petroleum. |
P422f | Store in nitrogen. |
P501 | Dispose of contents/container to ... |
P501a | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations. |
P501b | Dispose of contents/ container to an approved incineration plant. |
P501c | Dispose of contents/ container to an approved waste disposal plant. |
P502 | Refer 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.