GHS H-statements and P-statements explained
H-statements (hazard statements) are standardized phrases assigned to GHS hazard categories. Each H-code has a fixed text that cannot be modified — H314 always means 'Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.' H-statements appear in Section 2 of the SDS and on product labels.
P-statements (precautionary statements) describe what actions to take to minimize or prevent adverse effects. They cover prevention (P2xx), response (P3xx), storage (P4xx), and disposal (P5xx). Common examples: P280 'Wear protective gloves/eye protection', P305+P351+P338 'IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.'
GHS hazard categories also include signal words (Danger or Warning) and pictograms (GHS01–GHS09). Danger is used for the more severe category; Warning for less severe. A product classified as skin corrosion Cat 1 (H314) uses the Danger signal word and GHS05 (corrosion) pictogram.
SDSDraft includes a lookup table of common H and P statement codes. When you add ingredients to your product, the tool automatically pulls in the relevant codes and suggests precautionary statements based on the identified hazards.
SDSDraft generates a DRAFT safety data sheet from the information you enter. You are solely responsible for verifying the hazard classification and all content with a qualified person before use or distribution. SDSDraft is software, not professional safety, legal, or toxicological advice.
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Common H-codes for formulation ingredients
- H225 — Highly flammable liquid and vapour (ethanol, IPA at common concentrations)
- H290 — May be corrosive to metals (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide)
- H302 — Harmful if swallowed (sodium hydroxide dilute, hydrogen peroxide)
- H314 — Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide concentrated)
- H315 — Causes skin irritation (SLS, sodium carbonate, lactic acid)
- H317 — May cause an allergic skin reaction (fragrance, CAPB, certain preservatives)
- H318 — Causes serious eye damage (sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide)
- H319 — Causes serious eye irritation (citric acid, SLS, many surfactants)
- H336 — May cause drowsiness or dizziness (isopropyl alcohol at high concentrations)
- H400 — Very toxic to aquatic life (sodium hypochlorite, zinc oxide, some surfactants)
- H412 — Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects (fragrances, some preservatives)
Questions
Are H-statements and hazard descriptions the same thing?
H-statements are the official standardized text assigned to a specific GHS hazard category. They must be used verbatim. Hazard descriptions in older MSDS documents were not standardized and varied between authors. On a GHS SDS, only the official H-statement text should appear.
Do I need to include all P-statements for all H-codes?
OSHA requires precautionary statements to be selected and included on labels and SDSs. You select the P-statements applicable to your hazard profile. Not every possible P-statement for every H-code needs to appear — but the most important safety precautions for your product's hazards must be covered. SDSDraft suggests common P-statements as a starting point.
What is a combination P-statement like P305+P351+P338?
GHS allows combining related precautionary statements into a single instruction. P305+P351+P338 combines 'IF IN EYES' (P305), 'Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes' (P351), and 'Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing' (P338) into one unified first-aid instruction for eye contact.