Safety Phrases (S-phrases)

The European Union (EU) requires that safety phrases (S-phrases) appear on each label and safety data sheet for hazardous chemicals. S-phrases consist of the letter S followed by a number. The precise meaning of each of these appears in the table below. Labels will also have symbols or pictograms (see CHIP) as well as R-phrases to denote the risks of the material. The S-phrases denote the appropriate safety precautions or personal protective equipment to minimize these risks. Additional advice may also appear.