GHS Precautionary Statements (P-Codes)
Precautionary statements tell you what to do about a hazard: how to prevent exposure, what to do after a spill or exposure, how to store the product and how to dispose of it. This index lists the 133 current GHS precautionary statements, grouped by type. Select a code to see which hazards call for it and which chemicals in our database use it.
Codes marked "Deleted" are in the data we compile but are not part of the current GHS revision (35 in total). They are listed because older labels may still use them. Text containing "..." has a blank the supplier fills in.
General (3)
P100 series: basic advice that applies to the product as a whole, such as keeping the label at hand and keeping the product away from children. These statements are used mainly on consumer products.
Single statements
Prevention (43)
P200 series: actions to take before and during use to prevent or minimise harm, such as avoiding ignition sources, using ventilation and wearing protective equipment.
Single statements
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P201 | Obtain special instructions before use. Deleted |
| P202 | Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. Deleted |
| P203 | Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use. |
| P210 | Keep away from heat, hot surface, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. |
| P211 | Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source. |
| P212 | Avoid heating under confinement or reduction of the desensitized agent. |
| P220 | Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials. |
| P221 | Take any precaution to avoid mixing with combustibles/... Deleted |
| P222 | Do not allow contact with air. |
| P223 | Do not allow contact with water. |
| P230 | Keep wetted with ... |
| P231 | Handle and store contents under inert gas/... |
| P232 | Protect from moisture. |
| P233 | Keep container tightly closed. |
| P234 | Keep only in original container. |
| P235 | Keep cool. |
| P236 | Keep only in original packaging; Division .. in the transport configuration. |
| 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 valves and fittings free from oil and grease. |
| 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/vapors/spray. |
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray. |
| P262 | Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. |
| P263 | Avoid contact during pregnancy/while nursing. |
| P264 | Wash hands [and ...] thoroughly after handling. |
| P265 | Do not touch eyes. |
| 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/hearing protection/... |
| P281 | Use personal protective equipment as required. Deleted |
| P282 | Wear cold insulating gloves and either face shield or eye protection. |
| P283 | Wear fire resistant or flame retardant clothing. |
| P284 | [In case of inadequate ventilation] Wear respiratory protection. |
| P285 | In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection. Deleted |
Combined statements
Response (100)
P300 series: what to do after a spill, exposure or fire, including first-aid steps and when to call a poison center or doctor.
Single statements
| 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: |
| P307 | IF exposed: Deleted |
| P308 | IF exposed or concerned: |
| P309 | IF exposed or if you feel unwell Deleted |
| P310 | Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. Deleted |
| P311 | Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/... Deleted |
| P312 | Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/... if you feel unwell. Deleted |
| P313 | Get medical advice/attention. Deleted |
| P314 | Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. Deleted |
| P315 | Get immediate medical advice/attention. Deleted |
| P316 | Get emergency medical help immediately. |
| P317 | Get emergency medical help. |
| P318 | if exposed or concerned, get medical advice. |
| P319 | Get medical help if you feel unwell. |
| P320 | Specific treatment is urgent (see ... on this label). |
| P321 | Specific treatment (see ... on this label). |
| P322 | Specific measures (see ...on this label). Deleted |
| P330 | Rinse mouth. |
| P331 | Do NOT induce vomiting. |
| P332 | IF SKIN irritation occurs: |
| P333 | If skin irritation or rash occurs: |
| P334 | Immerse in cool water [or wrap in wet bandages]. |
| P335 | Brush off loose particles from skin. |
| P336 | Thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected area. |
| P337 | If eye irritation persists: |
| P338 | Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. |
| P340 | Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
| P341 | If breathing is difficult, remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Deleted |
| P342 | If experiencing respiratory symptoms: |
| P350 | Gently wash with plenty of soap and water. Deleted |
| P351 | Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. |
| P352 | Wash with plenty of water/... |
| P353 | Rinse skin with water [or shower]. |
| P354 | Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. |
| P360 | Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. |
| P361 | Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. |
| P362 | Take off contaminated clothing. |
| P363 | Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. |
| P364 | And wash it 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. Deleted |
| P375 | Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explorsion. |
| P376 | Stop leak if safe to do so. |
| P377 | Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely. |
| P378 | Use ... to extinguish. |
| P380 | Evacuate area. |
| P381 | In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources. |
| P390 | Absorb spillage to prevent material damage. |
| P391 | Collect spillage. |
Combined statements
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P301+P310 | IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/... Deleted |
| P301+P312 | IF SWALLOWED: call a POISON CENTER/doctor/... IF you feel unwell. Deleted |
| P301+P316 | IF SWALLOWED: Get emergency medical help immediately. |
| P301+P317 | IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help. |
| P301+P330+P331 | IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. |
| P302+P317 | IF ON SKIN: Get medical help. |
| P302+P334 | IF ON SKIN: Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages. |
| P302+P335+P334 | Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water [or wrap in wet bandages]. |
| P302+P350 | IF ON SKIN: Gently wash with plenty of soap and water. Deleted |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of water/... |
| P302+P361+P354 | IF ON SKIN: Take off Immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. |
| P303+P361+P353 | IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off Immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse SKIN with water [or shower]. |
| P304+P312 | IF INHALED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/... if you feel unwell. Deleted |
| P304+P317 | IF INHALED: Get medical help. |
| P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
| P304+P341 | IF INHALED: If breathing is difficult, remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Deleted |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do - continue rinsing. |
| P305+P354+P338 | IF IN EYES: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. |
| P306+P360 | IF ON CLOTHING: Rinse Immediately contaminated CLOTHING and SKIN with plenty of water before removing clothes. |
| P308+P316 | IF exposed or concerned: Get emergency medical help immediately. |
| P307+P311 | IF exposed: call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. Deleted |
| P308+P311 | IF exposed or concerned: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/... Deleted |
| P308+P313 | IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. Deleted |
| P309+P311 | IF exposed or if you feel unwell: call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. Deleted |
| P332+P313 | IF SKIN irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. Deleted |
| P332+P317 | If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help. |
| P333+P317 | If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help. |
| P336+P317 | Immediately thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Do not rub affected area. Get medical help. |
| P337+P317 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical help. |
| P342+P316 | If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Get emergence medical help immediately. |
| P333+P313 | IF SKIN irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention. Deleted |
| P335+P334 | Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water/wrap in wet bandages. Deleted |
| P337+P313 | IF eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Deleted |
| P342+P311 | IF experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/... Deleted |
| P361+P364 | Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. |
| P362+P364 | Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. |
| P370+P376 | in case of fire: Stop leak if safe to do so. |
| P370+P378 | In case of fire: Use ... to extinguish. |
| P370+P380 | In case of fire: Evacuate area. Deleted |
| P370+P380+P375 | In case of fire: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. |
| P371+P380+P375 | In case of major fire and large quantities: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. |
| P370+P372+P380+P373 | In case of fire: Explosion risk. Evacuate area. DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches explosives. |
| P370+P380+P375[+P378] | In case of fire: Evacuate area. Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion. [Use...to extinguish].] |
Storage (19)
P400 series: how and where to store the product, such as keeping it cool, dry, locked up or in a well-ventilated place.
Single 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 with a resistant inner liner. |
| P407 | Maintain air gap between stacks or pallets. |
| P410 | Protect from sunlight. |
| P411 | Store at temperatures not exceeding ... °C/...°F. |
| 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. |
| P420 | Store separately. |
| P422 | Store contents under ... Deleted |
Combined statements
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P402+P404 | Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container. |
| P403+P233 | Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. |
| P403+P235 | Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. |
| P410+P403 | Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place. |
| P410+P412 | Protect from sunlight. Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50 °C/122°F. |
| P411+P235 | Store at temperatures not exceeding ... °C/...°F. Keep cool. Deleted |
Disposal (3)
P500 series: how to dispose of the product and its container, normally in line with local, regional, national and international rules.
Single statements
P-codes are assigned to hazards through the hazard statements. Each hazard class and category defines which precautionary statements apply, and the supplier chooses the ones that fit the product.
Frequently asked questions
What is a P-code?
A P-code is the identifier of a GHS precautionary statement, a standard sentence recommending measures to minimise or prevent harm from exposure to a hazardous chemical or from improper storage or handling. The letter P stands for precautionary, and the first digit shows the type of advice.
What do the P-code series mean?
P1xx is general advice, P2xx is prevention, P3xx is response to spills, exposure or fire, P4xx is storage, and P5xx is disposal.
Why do some P-codes have a plus sign?
A plus sign joins statements that can be printed together as one sentence, for example P303+P361+P353 for what to do if a chemical gets on skin or hair. Printing them combined saves label space.
What do the dots (...) in some statements mean?
The dots mark a place where the supplier fills in specific information, such as the type of equipment, the material or the temperature. The exact wording on a label should be read from the product's own SDS.
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ghs/ghscode_10.txt (UN GHS Revision 10, retrieved 2026-10-12)