EC Safety Phrases

Under EC legislation, data sheets available in the UK now contain codes for certain "safety phrases", shown as S1, S17 etc. These phrases are also extensively used elsewhere in the world. Safety phrase codes have the following meanings:

• S1 Keep locked up.
• S2 Keep out of the reach of children.
• S3 Keep in a cool place.
• S4 Keep away from living quarters.
• S5 Keep contents under ... (there follows the name of a liquid).
• S6 Keep under ... (there follows the name of an inert gas).
• S7 Keep container tightly closed.
• S8 Keep container dry.
• S9 Keep container in a well-ventilated place.
• S12 Do not keep the container sealed.
• S13 Keep away from food, drink and animal foodstuffs.
• S14 Keep away from ... (a list of incompatible materials will follow).
• S15 Keep away from heat.
• S16 Keep away from sources of ignition.
• S17 Keep away from combustible material.
• S18 Handle and open container with care.
• S20 When using, do not eat or drink.
• S21 When using do not smoke.
• S22 Do not breathe dust.
• S23 Do not breathe vapour.
• S24 Avoid contact with skin.
• S25 Avoid contact with eyes.
• S26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
• S27 Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
• S28 After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of soap-suds.
• S29 Do not empty into drains.
• S30 Never add water to this product.
• S33 Take precautionary measures against static discharges.
• S35 This material and its container must be disposed of in a safe way.
• S36 Wear suitable protective clothing.
• S37 Wear suitable gloves.
• S38 In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment.
• S39 Wear eye / face protection.
• S40 To clean the floor and all objects contaminated by this material, use .... (there follows suitable cleaning material).
• S41 In case of fire and / or explosion do not breathe fumes.
• S42 During fumigation / spraying wear suitable respiratory equipment.
• S43 In case of fire use ... (there follows the type of fire-fighting equipment to be used.)
• S45 In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label whenever possible.)
• S46 If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label.
• S47 Keep at temperature not exceeding...
• S48 To be kept wet with (there follows a material name).
• S49 Keep only in the original container.
• S50 Do not mix with ...
• S51 Use only in well ventilated areas.
• S52 Not recommended for interior use on large surface areas.
• S53 Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions before use.
• S56 Dispose of this material and its container at hazardous or special waste collection point.
• S57 Use appropriate container to avoid environmental contamination.
• S59 Refer to manufacturer / supplier for information on recovery / recycling.
• S60 This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
• S61 Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions / safety data sheets.
• S62 If swallowed, do not induce vomitting; seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label.