How to read and translate R and S phrases in technical texts [Recurso electrónico]

Numbered R-phrases (risk phrases) and S-phrases (safety phrases) are among the most ubiquitous text units encountered in chemical documentation. Although they appear frequently, many translators are unaware of the official set translations that employ established and accepted terminology. This article will cover risk and safety phrases within the context of the standardization bodies working on them and point to resources for the terminology in European languages. What are R and S Phrases? Risk (R) and safety (S) phrases are statements of 1-16 words that are used to describe the risk and safety aspects of hazardous substances. The wording is standardized in each language (and sometimes country-specific). Each phrase is associated with an identifying letter-number code for brevity (e.g., R1 through R68; S1 through S64). These phrases were initially developed by the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), and further modified and the list expanded by the European Union (EU). The list has been incorporated into official notifications, links to which can be found in the resources sidebar on page 26. These phrases appear in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs); chemical, analytical, and manufacturing procedures; cargo statements; product brochures; customs declarations; and many other documents related to commercial chemicals. What are R and S Phrases? Risk (R) and safety (S) phrases are statements of 1-16 words that are used to describe the risk and safety aspects of hazardous substances. The wording is standardized in each language (and sometimes country-specific). Each phrase is associated with an identifying letter-number code for brevity (e.g., R1 through R68; S1 through S64). These phrases were initially developed by the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), and further modified and the list expanded by the European Union (EU). The list has been incorporated into official notifications, links to which can be found in the resources sidebar on page 26. These phrases appear in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs); chemical, analytical, and manufacturing procedures; cargo statements; product brochures; customs declarations; and many other documents related to commercial chemicals.