Sphrases

Sphrases, or safety phrases, were a standardized set of precautionary statements used on labels of hazardous substances in the European Union to communicate safe handling, storage, and disposal practices. They accompanied R-phrases that described risks and formed part of the labeling framework established by EU directives in the late 20th century.

Each safety phrase carried a numeric code, beginning with the letter S and a number, such as S1, S2, S26, S36/37, S45, and S60. Each code corresponds to a specific instruction; for example, S1 Keep locked up; S2 Keep out of the reach of children; S26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice; S36/37 Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves; S45 In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately; S60 This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

Sphrases were designed to be easily translatable and machine-checkable for labeling. They coexisted with R-phrases until many European countries adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), which introduced hazard statements (H) and precautionary statements (P). Under GHS, S-phrases have largely been replaced, though some legacy labels and historical reference documents still cite them. The R/S system remains of historical interest and is studied in the history of chemical safety labeling. See also R-phrases, hazard statements, P-phrases, and CLP.