Chemical Safety Markings
Chemical safety markings
On this page you will find explanations of the current markings used on product labels and safety data sheets: GHS hazard pictograms, signal words, H statements, EUH statements and P statements.
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes. In every case, the label and safety data sheet of the specific product should be checked.
GHS hazard pictograms
Only those pictograms that result from the classification of a specific substance or mixture are placed on the product label. Not every chemical product will carry all symbols.
Explosive
GHS01
- explosives
- self-reactive substances and mixtures, types A and B
- organic peroxides, types A and B
Flammable
GHS02
- flammable gases, aerosols, liquids and solids
- self-reactive substances
- self-heating substances
- substances which emit flammable gases in contact with water
Oxidising
GHS03
- oxidising gases
- oxidising liquids
- oxidising solids
Gas under pressure
GHS04
- compressed gases
- liquefied gases
- refrigerated liquefied gases
- dissolved gases
Corrosive
GHS05
- causes severe skin burns
- causes serious eye damage
- may be corrosive to metals
Acute toxicity
GHS06
- acute toxicity if swallowed
- acute toxicity in contact with skin
- acute toxicity if inhaled
Irritant or harmful
GHS07
- skin and eye irritation
- skin sensitisation
- acute toxicity category 4
- respiratory tract irritation
Serious health hazard
GHS08
- carcinogenicity
- mutagenicity
- reproductive toxicity
- respiratory sensitisation
- aspiration hazard
- target organ toxicity
Hazardous to the aquatic environment
GHS09
- acute aquatic toxicity
- chronic aquatic toxicity
Pictograms should be read together with the signal word and the H, EUH and P statements. The symbol alone does not replace full hazard information.
Signal words
The signal word indicates the level of hazard assigned to the product. One of the following two signal words appears on the label:
Danger
Used for more severe hazard categories.
Warning
Used for less severe hazard categories.
H, EUH and P statements
Below you will find a summary of the markings currently used on product labels and in safety data sheets. You can search by code or part of the text.
| Code | Text |
|---|---|
| H200 | Unstable explosives. |
| 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. |
| H220 | Extremely flammable gas. |
| H221 | Flammable gas. |
| H222 | Extremely flammable aerosol. |
| H223 | Flammable aerosol. |
| H224 | Extremely flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H226 | Flammable liquid and vapour. |
| 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 gases. |
| H270 | May cause or intensify fire; oxidiser. |
| H271 | May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidiser. |
| H272 | May intensify fire; oxidiser. |
| H280 | Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated. |
| H281 | Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury. |
| H290 | May be corrosive to metals. |
| H300 | Fatal if swallowed. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H304 | May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. |
| H310 | Fatal 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. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| 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 <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H350i | May cause cancer by inhalation. |
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H360 | May damage fertility or the unborn child <state specific effect if known> <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H360F | May damage fertility. |
| H360D | May damage the unborn child. |
| H360FD | May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child. |
| H360Fd | May damage fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. |
| H360Df | May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility. |
| H361 | Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child <state specific effect if known> <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H361f | Suspected of damaging fertility. |
| H361d | Suspected of damaging the unborn child. |
| H361fd | Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. |
| H362 | May cause harm to breast-fed children. |
| H370 | Causes damage to organs <state all organs affected, if known> <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H371 | May cause damage to organs <state all organs affected, if known> <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H372 | Causes damage to organs <state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs <state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H300 + H310 | Fatal if swallowed or in contact with skin. |
| H300 + H330 | Fatal if swallowed or if inhaled. |
| H310 + H330 | Fatal in contact with skin or if inhaled. |
| H300 + H310 + H330 | Fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled. |
| H301 + H311 | Toxic if swallowed or in contact with skin. |
| H301 + H331 | Toxic if swallowed or if inhaled. |
| H311 + H331 | Toxic in contact with skin or if inhaled. |
| H301 + H311 + H331 | Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled. |
| H302 + H312 | Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin. |
| H302 + H332 | Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled. |
| H312 + H332 | Harmful in contact with skin or if inhaled. |
| H302 + H312 + H332 | Harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled. |
| H400 | Very toxic 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. |
| Code | Text |
|---|---|
| EUH 014 | Reacts violently with water. |
| EUH 018 | In use may form flammable or explosive vapour-air mixture. |
| EUH 019 | May form explosive peroxides. |
| EUH 044 | Risk of explosion if heated under confinement. |
| EUH 029 | Contact with water liberates toxic gas. |
| EUH 031 | Contact with acids liberates toxic gas. |
| EUH 032 | Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas. |
| EUH 066 | Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking. |
| EUH 070 | Toxic by eye contact. |
| EUH 071 | Corrosive to the respiratory tract. |
| EUH 201/201A | Contains lead. Should not be used on surfaces liable to be chewed or sucked by children. Warning! Contains lead. |
| EUH 202 | Cyanoacrylate. Danger. Bonds skin and eyes in seconds. Keep out of the reach of children. |
| EUH 203 | Contains chromium (VI). May produce an allergic reaction. |
| EUH 204 | Contains isocyanates. May produce an allergic reaction. |
| EUH 205 | Contains epoxy constituents. May produce an allergic reaction. |
| EUH 206 | Warning! Do not use together with other products. May release dangerous gases (chlorine). |
| EUH 207 | Warning! Contains cadmium. Dangerous fumes are formed during use. See information supplied by the manufacturer. Comply with the safety instructions. |
| EUH 208 | Contains <name of sensitising substance>. May produce an allergic reaction. |
| EUH 209/209A | Can become highly flammable in use. Can become flammable in use. |
| EUH 210 | Safety data sheet available on request. |
| EUH 211 | Warning! Hazardous respirable droplets may be formed when sprayed. Do not breathe spray or mist. |
| EUH 212 | Warning! Hazardous respirable dust may be formed when used. Do not breathe dust. |
| EUH 380 | May cause endocrine disruption in humans. |
| EUH 381 | Suspected of causing endocrine disruption in humans. |
| EUH 401 | To avoid risks to human health and the environment, comply with the instructions for use. |
| EUH 430 | May cause endocrine disruption in the environment. |
| EUH 431 | Suspected of causing endocrine disruption in the environment. |
| EUH 440 | Accumulates in the environment and in living organisms including humans. |
| EUH 441 | Strongly accumulates in the environment and in living organisms including humans. |
| EUH 450 | Can cause long lasting and diffuse contamination of water resources. |
| EUH 451 | Can cause very long lasting and diffuse contamination of water resources. |
| Code | Text |
|---|---|
| P101 | If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand. |
| P102 | Keep out of reach of children. |
| P103 | Read carefully and follow all instructions. |
| 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. No smoking. |
| P211 | Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source. |
| P212 | Avoid heating under confinement or reduction of the desensitizing agent. |
| P220 | Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials. |
| 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 packaging. |
| P235 | Keep cool. |
| P240 | Ground and 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/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 … 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/hearing protection/… |
| 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. |
| P231 + P232 | Handle and store contents under inert gas/…. Protect from moisture. |
| P301 | IF SWALLOWED: |
| P302 | IF ON SKIN: |
| P303 | IF ON SKIN (or hair): |
| P304 | IF INHALED: |
| P305 | IF IN EYES: |
| P306 | IF ON CLOTHING: |
| P308 | IF exposed or concerned: |
| P310 | Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… |
| P311 | Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… |
| P312 | Call a POISON CENTER/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 (see … on this label). |
| P321 | Specific treatment (see … on this label). |
| 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. |
| P342 | If experiencing respiratory symptoms: |
| P351 | Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. |
| P352 | Wash with plenty of water/… |
| P353 | Rinse skin with water [or shower]. |
| 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. |
| 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 … to extinguish. |
| P380 | Evacuate area. |
| P381 | In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources. |
| P390 | Absorb spillage to prevent material damage. |
| P391 | Collect spillage. |
| P301 + P310 | IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… |
| P301 + P312 | IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell. |
| P301 + P330 + P331 | IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. |
| P302 + P334 | IF ON SKIN: Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages. |
| P302 + P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water/… |
| P303 + P361 + P353 | IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water [or shower]. |
| P304 + P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
| 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 + P360 | IF ON CLOTHING: Rinse immediately contaminated clothing and skin with plenty of water before removing clothes. |
| P308 + P311 | IF exposed or concerned: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… |
| P308 + P313 | IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P332 + P313 | If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P333 + P313 | If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P337 + P313 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P342 + P311 | If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… |
| 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 + 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. |
| 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 a corrosion 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. |
| 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. |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container to … |
| P502 | Refer to manufacturer or supplier for information on recovery or recycling. |
| P503 | Refer to manufacturer/supplier/… for information on disposal/recovery/recycling. |
How to read safety markings on a product label
Safety markings are best read in the following order:
1
Pictogram
Shows the type of hazard, for example corrosive action, flammability or hazard to the environment.
2
Signal word
Indicates the level of hazard: “Danger” or “Warning”.
3
H and EUH statements
Explain what hazard the product presents and what additional information must be taken into account.
4
P statements
Specify precautionary measures for use, storage, first aid and disposal.