Working Safely in the Colloid Group Labs

The standard Risk Phrases below should be used on MSDSs designed for use in the UK. If the chemicals you are planning to use are not covered by the department's standard risk assessments or you find the risk phrases highlighted below, then you may need to complete a COSHH Special RA.

» see also: COSHH Special Risk Assessments

R1Explosive when dry.
R2Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other source of ignition.
R3Extreme risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition.
R4Forms very sensitive explosive metallic compounds.
R5Heating may cause an explosion.
R6Explosive with or without contact with air.
R7May cause fire.
R8Contact with combustible material may cause fire.
R9Explosive when mixed with combustible material.
R10Flammable.
R11Highly flammable.
R12Extremely flammable.
R13Extremely flammable liquefied gas
R14Reacts violently with water.
R15Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases.
R16Explosive when mixed with oxidizing substances.
R17Spontaneously flammable in air.
R18In use, may form inflammable/explosive vapour-air mixture.
R19May form explosive peroxides.
R20Harmful by inhalation.
R21Harmful in contact with skin.
R22Harmful if swallowed.
R23Toxic by inhalation.
R24Toxic in contact with skin.
R25Toxic if swallowed.
R26Very toxic by inhalation.
R27Very toxic in contact with skin.
R28Very toxic if swallowed.
R29Contact with water liberates toxic gas.
R30Can become highly flammable in use.
R31Contact with acids liberates toxic gas.
R32Contact with acid liberates very toxic gas.
R33Danger of cumulative effects.
R34Causes burns.
R35Causes severe burns.
R36Irritating to eyes.
R37Irritating to respiratory system.
R38Irritating to skin.
R39Danger of very serious irreversible effects.
R40Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.
R41Risk of serious damage to the eyes.
R42May cause sensitization by inhalation.
R43May cause sensitization by skin contact.
R44Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.
R45May cause cancer.
R46May cause heritable genetic damage.
R47May cause birth defects
R48Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure.
R49May cause cancer by inhalation.
R50Very toxic to aquatic organisms.
R51Toxic to aquatic organisms.
R52Harmful to aquatic organisms.
R53May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
R54Toxic to flora.
R55Toxic to fauna.
R56Toxic to soil organisms.
R57Toxic to bees.
R58May cause long-term adverse effects in the environment.
R59Dangerous to the ozone layer.
R60May impair fertility.
R61May cause harm to the unborn child.
R62Risk of impaired fertility.
R63Possible risk of harm to the unborn child.
R64May cause harm to breastfed babies.
R65Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed.
R66Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking.
R67Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
R68Possible risk of irreversible effects.