List of S-phrases Facts for Kids

S-phrases were special safety messages used on labels of dangerous chemicals in the European Union. Think of them as important warnings that told people how to handle these substances safely and what to do if something went wrong.

These phrases were part of a set of rules called Directive 67/548/EEC - Dangerous Substances Directive. Over time, this list was updated and translated into many European languages.

However, on June 1, 2015, these S-phrases were replaced. A new, worldwide system called the Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 - Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations took over. This new system, based on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) by the United Nations, aims to make chemical safety warnings the same all over the world. The new safety messages are called GHS precautionary statements.

Understanding Safety Phrases

Imagine you have a bottle of cleaning product. On its label, you might see codes like "S2" or "S24/25". These codes are short ways to give you important safety advice. They tell you things like "Keep out of the reach of children" or "Avoid contact with skin and eyes."

These phrases were designed to help everyone, from factory workers to people at home, understand the risks of chemicals and how to stay safe. Even though they've been replaced by a newer system, understanding what they meant helps us appreciate how important clear safety warnings are.

Here is a list of some common S-phrases and what they mean:

Code	What it means
S1	Keep locked up.
S2	Keep out of the reach of children.
S3	Keep in a cool place.
S4	Keep away from living quarters (places where people live).
S5	Keep contents under ... (a specific liquid chosen by the maker).
S6	Keep under ... (a specific gas chosen by the maker).
S7	Keep container tightly closed.
S8	Keep container dry.
S9	Keep container in a well-ventilated place (a place with good airflow).
S12	Do not keep the container sealed.
S13	Keep away from food, drink, and animal feedingstuffs (animal food).
S14	Keep away from ... (materials that don't mix well, chosen by the maker).
S15	Keep away from heat.
S16	Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking.
S17	Keep away from combustible material (things that can easily catch fire).
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 gas/fumes/vapour/spray (specific wording chosen by the maker).
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 ... (a specific liquid chosen by the maker).
S29	Do not empty into drains.
S30	Never add water to this product.
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 (like a mask).
S39	Wear eye/face protection.
S40	To clean the floor and all objects contaminated by this material, use ... (specific cleaner chosen by the maker).
S41	In case of fire and/or explosion, do not breathe fumes.
S42	During fumigation/spraying, wear suitable respiratory equipment (specific wording chosen by the maker).
S43	In case of fire, use ... (specific fire-fighting equipment. If water increases the risk, it adds - Never use water).
S45	In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label if possible).
S46	If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label.
S47	Keep at temperature not exceeding ... °C (specific temperature chosen by the maker).
S48	Keep wet with ... (appropriate material chosen by the maker).
S49	Keep only in the original container.
S50	Do not mix with ... (specific substance chosen by the maker).
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 a hazardous or special waste collection point.
S57	Use appropriate containment 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 sheet.
S62	If swallowed, do not induce vomiting: seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label where possible.
S63	In case of accident by inhalation: remove casualty to fresh air and keep at rest.
S64	If swallowed, rinse mouth with water (only if the person is conscious).
Combinations of S phrases
S1/2	Keep locked up and out of the reach of children.
S3/7	Keep container tightly closed in a cool place.
S3/9/14	Keep in a cool, well-ventilated place away from ... (incompatible materials chosen by the maker).
S3/9/14/49	Keep only in the original container in a cool, well-ventilated place away from ... (incompatible materials chosen by the maker).
S3/9/49	Keep only in the original container in a cool, well-ventilated place.
S3/14	Keep in a cool place away from ... (incompatible materials chosen by the maker).
S7/8	Keep container tightly closed and dry.
S7/9	Keep container tightly closed and in a well-ventilated place.
S7/47	Keep container tightly closed and at temperature not exceeding ... °C (specific temperature chosen by the maker).
S20/21	When using, do not eat, drink, or smoke.
S24/25	Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
S27/28	After contact with skin, take off immediately all contaminated clothing, and wash immediately with plenty of ... (specific liquid chosen by the maker).
S29/35	Do not empty into drains; dispose of this material and its container in a safe way.
S29/56	Do not empty into drains; dispose of this material and its container at a hazardous or special waste collection point.
S36/37	Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves.
S36/37/39	Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye/face protection.
S36/39	Wear suitable protective clothing and eye/face protection.
S37/39	Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection.
S47/49	Keep only in the original container at temperature not exceeding ... °C (specific temperature chosen by the maker).

List of S-phrases facts for kids

Understanding Safety Phrases

See also