What does P251 mean?

What kind of precautionary statement is P251?

Prevention statements (P2xx) describe the measures that stop exposure or an accident before it happens: staying away from heat and ignition sources, wearing personal protective equipment, not breathing vapour or dust, washing hands after work. They are the rules a user applies before starting to work with the product.

Which hazards is it used for?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P251 is assigned to the classes of these hazard statements:

• H222Extremely flammable aerosol.
• H223Flammable aerosol.

How many hazard statements is P251 assigned to?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P251 is provided for the classes of 2 H statements in total: 2 physical hazard statements. The lowest-numbered example is H222 and the highest-numbered is H223. Whether a mixture label carries this statement depends on those classes really applying to the mixture.

Neighbouring statements of the same kind

The statements closest in number to P251 in the prevention group:

• P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
• P244Keep valves and fittings free from oil and grease.
• P250Do not subject to grinding/shock/friction/… .
• P260Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
• P261Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
• P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.

How is P251 read?

This statement is a 8-word text. The text is a single instruction without options and is written as it appears in Annex IV.

Where is P251 written in the SDS?

If P251 is on the list of precautionary statements in Section 2.2, it is printed with its code and the text "Do not pierce or burn, even after use.". The statement should also agree with the safe handling precautions in Section 7.

How does P251 appear on the label?

P251 shows up on a label only if it is selected: the candidates from Annex IV are reduced to at most 6 under Article 28(3). In the Chemoris selection method, prevention statements are considered in position 2. If the core statements exceed 6, Article 28(3) allows up to 8; when a combined statement is chosen, its individual parts are not repeated on the label. As P251 is on the list of precautionary statements of Annex IV, it can be used in current labels and SDSs; Chemoris writes it into the document only when the relevant prevention candidate is selected.

Which classes and which priority is P251 assigned to?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P251 appears in 1 class/category entries (1 different H statements). Priority split: core (priority 1) in 1 entries. Of these entries, 0 carry the signal word “Danger”, 0 carry “Warning” and 1 need no signal word.

The class families it appears in most often: Aerosol * (1).

Classes that P251 is assigned to

The first 1 rows of 1 entries in the CLP Annex IV assignment table (by priority and hazard order):

Statements assigned together with P251

The precautionary statements that most often appear with P251 in the same class entries (with entry count):

• P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. (1)
• P211Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source. (1)
• P410+P412Protect from sunlight. Do no expose to temperatures exceeding 50 o C/122 o F. (1)

Where does P251 stand in the prevention group?

P251 is number 21 of the 38 statements in the P2xx group. The group holds 2 combined and 4 withdrawn statements and 33 single valid statements. Combined statements merge several situations on one line; withdrawn statements are replaced by their current equivalents.

Which SDS section does P251 feed?

Because of its number and its prevention kind, P251 relates to Section 7 Handling and storage of the SDS; in Section 2.2 it is written with its code and text. Statements in the same number range feed the same section.

Checklist when writing P251

• P251 should agree with Section 7; in Section 2.2 it is written with its code and text.
• The text is 8 words long; if the label space is narrow, choosing a combined statement can save room.

Official EU wording of P251 in other languages

When a product is exported to the EU, the SDS and label are expected in the official language of the Member State where it is placed on the market (REACH Article 31(5)). The table gives the official wording of P251 from the CLP Annex III/IV language versions published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Source: EUR-Lex CELEX 02008R1272-20260701.

Next steps

To read a statement like P251 correctly on a label and in an SDS, see the guide How to read H and P codes; to pick the class and prepare the label automatically, use the free label tool.

Where does it appear in the safety data sheet?

Precautionary statements are given with their code and full text in Section 2.2 (label elements) of the safety data sheet. Alternatives separated by a slash or in square brackets (e.g. gloves/protective clothing) are narrowed down to suit the product.

Frequently asked questions