GHS P-Statements: How to Select and Use Precautionary Codes
Precautionary statements — P-statements or P-codes — tell users how to safely handle, store, and dispose of a hazardous chemical. Unlike H-statements which describe the hazard, P-statements describe the response: what to do before, during, and after exposure.
P-Statement Structure
P-codes are organised into five groups by the first digit:
| Series | Category |
|---|---|
| P1xx | General precautions |
| P2xx | Prevention |
| P3xx | Response (first aid, fire) |
| P4xx | Storage |
| P5xx | Disposal |
P1xx: General Precautionary Statements
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| 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 |
P101–P103 are general statements that apply to most hazardous chemicals.
P2xx: Prevention Statements
These specify measures to prevent injury or exposure:
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P201 | Obtain special instructions before use |
| P202 | Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood |
| P210 | Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources |
| P211 | Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source |
| P220 | Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials |
| P221 | Take precautionary measures against mixing with combustibles |
| P230 | Keep wetted with… |
| P231 | Handle under inert gas |
| P232 | Protect from moisture |
| P233 | Keep container tightly closed |
| P234 | Keep only in original container |
| P235 | Keep cool |
| P240 | Ground and bond container and receiving equipment |
| P241 | Use explosion-proof equipment |
| P242 | Use non-sparking tools |
| P243 | Take precautionary measures against static discharge |
| P244 | Keep valves and fittings free from grease and oil |
| P250 | 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/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 and while nursing |
| P264 | 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 equipment |
| P281 | Use personal protective equipment as required |
| P284 | Wear respiratory protection |
P3xx: Response Statements
First aid and emergency actions:
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P301 | IF SWALLOWED: … |
| P302 | IF ON SKIN: … |
| P303 | IF ON SKIN (or hair): … |
| P304 | IF INHALED: … |
| P305 | IF IN EYES: … |
| P306 | IF ON CLOTHING: … |
| P310 | Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor |
| P311 | Call a POISON CENTER or doctor |
| P312 | Call a POISON CENTER or doctor 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 |
| P321 | Specific treatment (see … on this label) |
| P330 | Rinse mouth |
| P331 | Do NOT induce vomiting |
| P332 | If skin irritation occurs: get medical advice |
| P333 | If skin irritation or rash occurs: get medical advice |
| P334 | Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages |
| P335 | Brush off loose particles from skin |
| P336 | Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water |
| P337 | If eye irritation persists: get medical advice |
| P338 | Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do |
| P340 | Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing |
| P342 | If experiencing respiratory symptoms: call a POISON CENTER |
| P350 | Gently wash with soap and water |
| P351 | Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes |
| P352 | Wash with plenty of water |
| P353 | Rinse skin with water/shower |
| P360 | Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water |
| P361 | 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: … |
| 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 |
| P375 | Fight fire remotely due to explosion risk |
| P376 | Stop leak if safe to do so |
| P377 | Leaking gas fire: do not extinguish |
| P378 | Use … for extinction |
| P380 | Evacuate area |
| P381 | In case of leakage: eliminate all ignition sources |
| P390 | Absorb spillage to prevent material damage |
| P391 | Collect spillage |
P4xx: Storage Statements
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P401 | Store in accordance with … |
| P402 | Store in a dry place |
| P403 | Store in a well-ventilated place |
| P404 | Store in a closed container |
| P405 | Store locked up |
| P406 | Store in corrosive resistant container |
| P407 | Maintain air gap between stacks/pallets |
| P410 | Protect from sunlight |
| P411 | Store at temperatures not exceeding …°C |
| P412 | Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C |
| P413 | Store bulk masses exceeding …kg at temperatures not exceeding …°C |
| P420 | Store away from other materials |
P5xx: Disposal Statements
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations |
| P502 | Refer to manufacturer for recovery/recycling information |
How P-Statements Are Selected
P-statements are not freely chosen. Under GHS and CLP, P-statements are assigned based on the hazard classification. Each hazard class and category has a prescribed list of applicable P-statements.
Maximum limit on labels: CLP limits labels to 6 P-statements unless more are necessary due to the nature and severity of the hazards. This prevents label overcrowding.
Combining P-statements: Where two P-statements convey the same action, they may be combined. Example: P302 + P352 = “IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.”
P-Statement Optimisation Rules
Some P-statements are redundant when others are already present:
- If P260 (Do not breathe) is required → P261 (Avoid breathing) is not needed
- If Danger signal word applies → more specific first aid P-statements are used over general ones
- P284 (respiratory protection) is only required for respiratory sensitisers and certain inhalation toxics
Looking Up P-Statements
Use our P-Statements Reference to look up all precautionary codes with full text, applicable hazard classes, and CLP Annex references.
Related Resources
- GHS H-Statements Complete Guide — hazard statements that determine which P-codes apply
- GHS Signal Words: Danger vs Warning — signal words and their relationship to P-statements
- Chemical Storage Segregation Guide — P4xx storage statements in practice
- H-Statements Reference →
Reference: UN GHS Rev.9, Chapter 1.4 and Annex 3. CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, Annex IV. OSHA HCS 2024, 29 CFR 1910.1200, Appendix D.