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Handling chemicals requires the utmost caution and a clear understanding of the risks. The H and P phrases are a globally standardized system for clearly communicating hazards and protective measures for hazardous substances. They were introduced as part of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and have replaced the former R and S phrases in Europe. In this article you will find a complete overview of all H and P phrases, clearly arranged by category.

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H-phrases (hazard statements)

H200 series: Physical hazards

  • H200: Unstable, explosive
  • H201: Explosive; Mass explosion hazard
  • H202: Explosive; great danger from splinters, blasting and thrown pieces
  • H203: Explosive; Danger due to fire, air pressure or splinters, blasting and throwing pieces
  • H204: Danger from fire or splinters, blasting and thrown fragments
  • H205: Risk of mass explosion in case of fire
  • H220: Extremely flammable gas
  • H221: Flammable gas
  • H222: Extremely flammable aerosol
  • H223: Flammable aerosol
  • H224: Extremely flammable liquid and vapor
  • H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
  • H226: Flammable liquid and vapor
  • H228: Flammable solid
  • H229: Pressurized 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
  • H240: Heating may cause explosion
  • H241: Heating may cause fire or explosion
  • H242: Heating may cause a fire
  • H250: Self-igniting in contact with 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: Contact with water liberates 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 cold burns or injury
  • H290: May be corrosive to metals

H300 series: Health hazards

  • H300: Danger to life if swallowed
  • H301: Toxic if swallowed
  • H302: Harmful if swallowed
  • H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
  • H310: Danger to life in contact with skin
  • H311: Toxic in contact with skin
  • H312: Harmful in contact with skin
  • H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
  • H315: Causes skin 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: Danger to life if inhaled
  • H331: Toxic by inhalation
  • H332: 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
  • H351: Suspected of causing cancer
  • H360: May damage fertility or the unborn child
  • H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
  • H362: May cause harm to breastfed babies
  • 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 series: Environmental hazards

  • H400: Very toxic to aquatic organisms
  • H401: Toxic to aquatic organisms
  • H402: Harmful to aquatic organisms
  • 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 be harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects
  • H420: Harmful to public health and the environment through ozone depletion in the external atmosphere

P-phrases (safety instructions)

P100 series: General information

  • P101: If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand
  • P102: Keep out of the reach of children
  • P103: Read label before use

P200 series: Prevention

  • P201: Obtain special instructions before use
  • P202: Read and understand all safety precautions before use
  • P210: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. Do not smoke
  • P211: Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source
  • P220: Keep away from clothing and combustible materials
  • P221: Take precautionary measures against electrostatic discharge
  • P233: Keep container tightly closed
  • P234: Keep only in the original container

P300 series: Behavior in an emergency

  • P301: If swallowed
  • P302: In case of contact with skin
  • P303: In case of contact with skin or hair
  • P304: If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing
  • P305: In case of contact with eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes

P400 series: Storage

  • P401: Store in a safe place
  • P403: Store in a well-ventilated place
  • P404: Store in a closed container
  • P410: Protect from sunlight

P500 series: Disposal

  • P501: Dispose of contents/container to an appropriate waste disposal facility

EUH phrases (supplemental hazard statements)

  • EUH001: Explosive when dry
  • EUH014: Reacts violently with water
  • EUH018: May form explosive vapor/air mixtures in use
  • EUH044: Risk of explosion if heated under confinement

The H and P phrases provide a clear and globally standardized basis for identifying and minimizing risks when handling chemical substances. They not only protect users and consumers, but also contribute to environmental protection. This article provides you with a complete overview to help you correctly assess hazards and ensure safety when handling chemicals.

Lena Baumgartner

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