The European Union (EU) requires that risk phrases (R-phrases) appear on each label and safety data sheet for hazardous chemicals. R-phrases consist of the letter R followed by a number. The precise meaning of each of these appears in the table below. Labels will also have symbols or pictograms (see CHIP), but the R-phrase specifies the particular danger(s). For example, sodium metal may have a large F and flame icon on the label, but the particular risk is denoted by R14/15 and R34 which correspond to "Reacts violently with water liberating highly flammable gases" and "causes burns". Safety phrases (S-phrases) for handling precautions are also part of the same requirements. Additional Info: Both risk and safety phrases are being phased out in favor of Hazard Statements and Precautionary Statements under the EU's implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) per EU Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 (6.6 MB PDF file). More than one R-phrase may appear on an MSDS. These are usually presented in combination, such as R36/37/38. In the first table below, single phrases are given, and in the second table, combinations are given. In general, no more than four R-phrases should be sufficient to adequately communicate the risks of a particular material. The R phrases selected should be those applicable to the substance(s) present in the concentration which gives rise to the most severe classification (for example, T+ versus T). Conversions from R-statements to H-statements can be found starting on page 1352 of EU Regulation (EC) 1272/2008