Precautionary statement

Where a hazard statement says what is wrong, the precautionary statement says what to do. Typical examples tell you to keep a product away from heat, wear protective gloves, rinse the eyes cautiously with water if contact occurs, store in a well-ventilated place, or dispose of contents according to local rules.

The five groups follow the life of the product. Prevention statements cover how to handle it safely. Response statements cover what to do after a spill, exposure, or fire. Storage statements cover how to keep it. Disposal statements cover what happens to the contents and container at the end.

A label does not need to include every possible statement. The supplier selects those appropriate to the classification, and the label may combine several into a single sentence. Wording can vary slightly while remaining consistent in meaning, and a supplier may add its own advice if it does not contradict the standard text.

The statements are general advice, not a full safety plan. Your site may need more specific controls, such as particular PPE or ventilation. The SDS gives more detail in its handling, first-aid, and exposure control sections.

Under HazCom, precautionary statements are one of the six label elements.