Chemical safety codes are a classification system that groups substances by their degree of impact or harm to human health. In any food production facility, personnel come into regular contact with a wide range of chemical substances — from food additives and cleaning agents to processing aids. Knowing the safety classification and proper handling procedures for each substance is essential for protecting worker health and ensuring the safety of the products being manufactured.
The most widely used system is the European Safety Phrases (S-phrases), which were part of the EU dangerous substances directive. Although largely replaced by GHS (Globally Harmonized System) P-statements in current EU regulations, S-phrases remain widely referenced in older safety data sheets and technical documentation across the food industry.
European chemical safety codes (S-phrases)
- S1 — Keep locked up
- S2 — Keep out of the reach of children
- S3 — Keep in a cool place
- S4 — Keep away from living quarters
- S5 — Keep contents under… (appropriate liquid specified by manufacturer)
- S6 — Keep under… (inert gas specified by manufacturer)
- S7 — Keep container tightly closed
- S8 — Keep container dry
- S9 — Keep container in a well-ventilated place
- S12 — Do not keep the container sealed
- S13 — Keep away from food, drink, and animal feedstuffs
- S14 — Keep away from… (incompatible materials specified)
- S15 — Keep away from heat
- S16 — Keep away from sources of ignition
- S17 — Keep away from combustible material
- 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 vapors
- 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 soapy water
- S29 — Do not empty into drains
- S30 — Never add water to this product
- S33 — Take precautionary measures against static discharge
- 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
- S39 — Wear eye/face protection
- S40 — To clean the floor and all objects contaminated by this material, use… (specified by manufacturer)
- S41 — In case of fire and/or explosion, do not breathe fumes
- S42 — During fumigation/spraying, wear suitable respiratory equipment
- S43 — In case of fire, use… (type of firefighting equipment specified)
- S45 — In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label where possible)
- S46 — If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show label or container
- S47 — Keep at temperature not exceeding… (specified by manufacturer)
- S48 — Keep wet with… (appropriate material specified)
- S49 — Keep only in the original container
- S50 — Do not mix with… (specified by manufacturer)
These codes are frequently referenced in food additive specifications and safety data sheets. Understanding them helps food technologists and quality managers ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemical substances used in production.