View source for Risk and Safety Statements

'''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]] codes and phrases for labeling dangerous [[chemical]]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]]s—see 'languages' in the menu on the left.

Until 2015 the risk and safety statements will be replaced by [[GHS hazard statements|hazard statements]] and [[GHS precautionary statements|precautionary statements]] in the course of harmonising classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals by introduction of the [[United Nations|UN]] [[Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals]] (GHS).

== Example ==
The R/S statement code for fuming [[hydrochloric acid]] (37%):
: R: 34-37 S: 26-36-45.

The corresponding [[English language]] 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 [[MSDS|material safety data sheets]] (MSDS) of a compound.

== See also ==
*[[Material safety data sheet|MSDS]]
*[[List of R-phrases]]
*[[List of S-phrases]]

== External links ==
* [http://schoolscout24.de/cgi-bin/rsp/rspinput.cgi Chemical Risk & Safety Phrases in 22 European Languages]
* [http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/sigma-aldrich/help/help-welcome/risk-and-safety-statements.html List of R/S statements at Sigma-Aldrich]
* [http://www.nohsc.gov.au/applications/hsis/HSGuidance.htm#risk Australian hazardous substances information system]
* [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/pri/en/oj/dat/2001/l_225/l_22520010821en00010333.pdf European Union commission directive 2001/59/EC] (PDF)
* [http://ecb.jrc.it/classification-labelling/ European Chemical Bureau Classification and Labelling Homepage]

[[Category:Occupational safety and health]]
[[Category:Statements]]

[[de:R- und S-Sätze]]
[[es:Frases de riesgo y de seguridad]]
[[id:Pernyataan Risiko dan Keselamatan]]
[[nl:R- en S-zinnen]]
[[pt:Frases de risco e segurança]]
[[ru:Указания по безопасности R/S]]
[[sl:R/S-stavki]]
[[zh:警示和安全性质标准词]]
[[Category:2Fix]]