What does P402+P404 mean?

What kind of precautionary statement is P402+P404?

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, P402+P404 is assigned to the classes of these hazard statements:

• H260In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
• H261In contact with water releases flammable gases.

Parts of the combined statement

• P402
• P404

How many hazard statements is P402+P404 assigned to?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P402+P404 is provided for the classes of 2 H statements in total: 2 physical hazard statements. The lowest-numbered example is H260 and the highest-numbered is H261. 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 P402+P404 in the storage group:

• P403+P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
• P403+P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
• P410+P403Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place.

How is P402+P404 read?

This statement is a 10-word text. Because it is a combined statement, it replaces 2 separate statements in a single line; the parts are listed below.

Where is P402+P404 written in the SDS?

If P402+P404 is on the list of precautionary statements in Section 2.2, it is printed with its code and the text "Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container.". The statement should also agree with the safe storage conditions in Section 7.2.

How does P402+P404 appear on the label?

P402+P404 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 P402+P404 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 P402+P404 assigned to?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P402+P404 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: Water-react. * (1).

Classes that P402+P404 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 P402+P404

The precautionary statements that most often appear with P402+P404 in the same class entries (with entry count):

• P370+P378In case of fire: Use… to extinguish. (1)
• P302+P335+P334IF ON SKIN: Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water [or wrap in wet bandages]. (1)
• P223Do not allow contact with water. (1)
• P231+P232Handle and store contents under inert gas/…. Protect from moisture. (1)
• P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. (1)

Where does P402+P404 stand in the storage group?

P402+P404 is number 14 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 P402+P404 feed?

Because of its number and its storage kind, P402+P404 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 P402+P404

• P402+P404 should agree with Section 7; in Section 2.2 it is written with its code and text.
• The text is 10 words long; if the label space is narrow, choosing a combined statement can save room.

Official EU wording of P402+P404 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 P402+P404 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 P402+P404 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