What does P311 mean?

What kind of precautionary statement is P311?

Response statements (P3xx) say what to do after an accident, spill, fire or exposure: first-aid steps, rinsing and washing, calling a doctor or a poison centre, choosing the extinguishing medium. They usually open with a situation such as IF IN EYES or IF INHALED.

Which hazards is it used for?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P311 is assigned to the classes of these hazard statements:

• H331Toxic if inhaled.

Combined statements containing this code

• P307+P311
• P308+P311
• P309+P311
• P342+P311

How many hazard statements is P311 assigned to?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P311 is provided for the classes of 1 H statements in total: 1 health hazard statement. The lowest-numbered example is H331 and the highest-numbered is H331. 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 P311 in the response group:

• P308IF exposed or concerned:
• P309IF exposed or if you feel unwell:
• P310Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
• P312Call a POISON CENTRE/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
• P313Get medical advice/attention.
• P314Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.

How is P311 read?

This statement is a 4-word text. It contains options separated by a slash; the preparer keeps the option that fits the product and deletes the others.

Where is P311 written in the SDS?

If P311 is on the list of precautionary statements in Section 2.2, it is printed with its code and the text "Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…". The statement should also agree with the first-aid measures in Section 4.

How does P311 appear on the label?

P311 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, response statements are considered in position 1. 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 P311 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 response candidate is selected.

Which classes and which priority is P311 assigned to?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P311 appears in 1 class/category entries (1 different H statements). Priority split: core (priority 1) in 1 entries. Of these entries, 1 carry the signal word “Danger”, 0 carry “Warning” and 0 need no signal word. The pictograms that most often accompany it: GHS06 (1).

The class families it appears in most often: Acute Tox. (1).

Classes that P311 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 P311

The precautionary statements that most often appear with P311 in the same class entries (with entry count):

• P304+P340IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. (1)
• P321Specific treatment (see … on this label). (1)
• P261Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. (1)
• P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. (1)
• P403+P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. (1)

Where does P311 stand in the response group?

P311 is number 11 of the 82 statements in the P3xx group. The group holds 30 combined and 11 withdrawn statements and 46 single valid statements. Combined statements merge several situations on one line; withdrawn statements are replaced by their current equivalents.

Which SDS section does P311 feed?

Because of its number and its response kind, P311 relates to Section 4 First aid 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 P311

• The text contains options separated by a slash; the preparer keeps only the option that fits the product.
• The text ends with “…”; the supplier supplies the completion.
• P311 is a part of the combined statements P307+P311, P308+P311, P309+P311, P342+P311; when a combined statement is selected, P311 is not repeated on the label.
• P311 should agree with Section 4; in Section 2.2 it is written with its code and text.
• The text is 4 words long; if the label space is narrow, choosing a combined statement can save room.

Official EU wording of P311 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 P311 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 P311 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