{{short description, System of hazard codes and phrases for labeling dangerous chemicals and compounds
Risk and Safety Statements, also known as R/S statements, R/S numbers, R/S phrases, and R/S sentences, is a system of
hazard
A hazard is a potential source of harm. Substances, events, or circumstances can constitute hazards when their nature would allow them, even just theoretically, to cause damage to health, life, property, or any other interest of value. The probab ...
codes and phrases for labeling dangerous
chemical
A chemical substance is a form of matter having constant chemical composition and characteristic properties. Some references add that chemical substance cannot be separated into its constituent elements by physical separation methods, i.e., w ...
s and compounds. The R/S statement of a compound consists of a risk part (R) and a safety part (S), each followed by a combination of numbers. Each number corresponds to a phrase. The phrase corresponding to the letter/number combination has the same meaning in different
language
Language is a structured system of communication. The structure of a language is its grammar and the free components are its vocabulary. Languages are the primary means by which humans communicate, and may be conveyed through a variety of ...
s—see 'languages' in the menu on the left.
In 2015, the risk and safety statements were replaced by hazard statements and
precautionary statements In United States safety standards, precautionary statements are sentences providing information on potential hazards and proper procedures. They are used in situations from consumer product on labels and manuals to descriptions of physical activitie ...
in the course of harmonising classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals by introduction of the UN
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed-upon standard managed by the United Nations that was set up to replace the assortment of hazardous material classification and labelli ...
(GHS).
Example
The R/S statement code for fuming
hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride. It is a colorless solution with a distinctive pungent smell. It is classified as a strong acid. It is a component of the gastric acid in the dige ...
(37%):
: R: 34-37 S: 26-36-45.
The corresponding
English language
English is a West Germanic language of the Indo-European language family, with its earliest forms spoken by the inhabitants of early medieval England. It is named after the Angles, one of the ancient Germanic peoples that migrated to the ...
phrases:
: Risks
:: R: 34 ''Causes burns''
:: R: 37 ''Irritating to the respiratory system.''
: Safety
:: S: 26 ''In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.''
:: S: 36 ''Wear suitable protective clothing.''
:: S: 45 ''In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label where possible).''
Dashes separate the phrase numbers. They are not to be confused with range indicators.
: Example: R: 34-37 ''Causes burns, irritating to the respiratory system.''
Slashes indicate fixed combinations of single phrases.
: Example: R: 36/37/38 ''Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.''
More detailed hazard and safety information can be found in the material safety data sheets (MSDS) of a compound.
See also
*
Safety data sheet
A safety data sheet (SDS), material safety data sheet (MSDS), or product safety data sheet (PSDS) is a document that lists information relating to occupational safety and health for the use of various substances and products. SDSs are a widel ...
List of S-phrases
S-phrases are defined in Annex IV of European Union Directive 67/548/EEC: ''Safety advice concerning dangerous substances and preparations''. The list was consolidated and republished iDirective 2001/59/EC where translations into other EU language ...