What does P401 mean?

What kind of precautionary statement is P401?

Storage statements (P4xx) set the conditions for keeping the product safely: locked up, in a cool, well-ventilated place or in the original container, protected from sunlight. Warehouse layout and container choice follow from these statements.

Which hazards is it used for?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P401 is assigned to the classes of these hazard statements:

• H200Unstable explosives.
• H201Explosive; mass explosion hazard.
• H202Explosive, severe projection hazard.
• H203Explosive; fire, blast or projection hazard.
• H204Fire or projection hazard.
• H205May mass explode in fire.

How many hazard statements is P401 assigned to?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P401 is provided for the classes of 6 H statements in total: 6 physical hazard statements. The lowest-numbered example is H200 and the highest-numbered is H205. 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 P401 in the storage group:

• P402Store in a dry place.
• P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
• P404Store in a closed container.

How is P401 read?

This statement is a 5-word text. The text is a single instruction without options and is written as it appears in Annex IV.

Where is P401 written in the SDS?

If P401 is on the list of precautionary statements in Section 2.2, it is printed with its code and the text "Store in accordance with… .". The statement should also agree with the safe storage conditions in Section 7.2.

How does P401 appear on the label?

P401 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, storage statements are considered in position 3. 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 P401 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 storage candidate is selected.

Which classes and which priority is P401 assigned to?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P401 appears in 2 class/category entries (1 different H statements). Priority split: secondary (priority 2) in 2 entries. Of these entries, 1 carry the signal word “Danger”, 0 carry “Warning” and 1 need no signal word. The pictograms that most often accompany it: GHS01 (1).

The class families it appears in most often: Expl. * (1) and Unst. Expl. (1).

Classes that P401 is assigned to

The first 2 rows of 2 entries in the CLP Annex IV assignment table (by priority and hazard order):

Statements assigned together with P401

The precautionary statements that most often appear with P401 in the same class entries (with entry count):

• P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. (2)
• P501Dispose of contents/container to … (2)
• P370+P372+P380+P373In case of fire: Explosion risk. Evacuate area. DO NOT fight fire when fire reaches explosives. (1)
• P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. (1)
• P230Keep wetted with… (1)

Where does P401 stand in the storage group?

P401 is number 1 of the 19 statements in the P4xx group. The group holds 6 combined and 2 withdrawn statements and 12 single valid statements. Combined statements merge several situations on one line; withdrawn statements are replaced by their current equivalents.

Which SDS section does P401 feed?

Because of its number and its storage kind, P401 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 P401

• The text ends with “…”; the supplier supplies the completion.
• P401 should agree with Section 7; in Section 2.2 it is written with its code and text.
• The text is 5 words long; if the label space is narrow, choosing a combined statement can save room.

Official EU wording of P401 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 P401 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 P401 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