What does P284 mean?

What kind of precautionary statement is P284?

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, P284 is assigned to the classes of these hazard statements:

• H330Fatal if inhaled.
• H334May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.

How many hazard statements is P284 assigned to?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P284 is provided for the classes of 2 H statements in total: 2 health hazard statements. The lowest-numbered example is H330 and the highest-numbered is H334. Whether a mixture label carries this statement depends on those classes really applying to the mixture.

Change note

P284 is used in place of the withdrawn P285. When you see the old code in an earlier SDS or label, its current equivalent is P284.

Neighbouring statements of the same kind

The statements closest in number to P284 in the prevention group:

• P281Use personal protective equipment as required.
• P282Wear cold insulating gloves and either face shield or eye protection.
• P283Wear fire resistant or flame retardant clothing.
• P285In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.

How is P284 read?

This statement is a 8-word text. The part in square brackets is specific to the product or the manufacturer and is completed with the relevant detail.

Where is P284 written in the SDS?

If P284 is on the list of precautionary statements in Section 2.2, it is printed with its code and the text "[In case of inadequate ventilation] wear respiratory protection.". The statement should also agree with the exposure controls and personal protection in Section 8.

How does P284 appear on the label?

P284 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 P284 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 P284 assigned to?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P284 appears in 3 class/category entries (2 different H statements). Priority split: core (priority 1) in 3 entries. Of these entries, 2 carry the signal word “Danger”, 0 carry “Warning” and 1 need no signal word. The pictograms that most often accompany it: GHS06 (2).

The class families it appears in most often: Acute Tox. (2) and Resp. Sens. * (1).

Classes that P284 is assigned to

The first 3 rows of 3 entries in the CLP Annex IV assignment table (by priority and hazard order):

Statements assigned together with P284

The precautionary statements that most often appear with P284 in the same class entries (with entry count):

• P304+P340IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. (3)
• P501Dispose of contents/container to … (3)
• P310Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… (2)
• P320Specific treatment is urgent (see … on this label). (2)
• P260Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. (2)

Where does P284 stand in the prevention group?

P284 is number 35 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 P284 feed?

Because of its number and its prevention kind, P284 relates to Section 8 Exposure controls / PPE 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 P284

• The part in square brackets is specific to the manufacturer or product and is not left unfilled.
• P284 should agree with Section 8; 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 P284 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 P284 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 P284 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