As has been mentioned the GHS/HCS 2012 classification leads to specified precautionary statements. However, there are options/choices within some precautionary statements.

C.2.4 Precautionary statement text

C.2.4.1 There are four types of precautionary statements presented, "prevention," "response," "storage," and "disposal." The core part of the precautionary statement is presented in bold print. This is the text, except as otherwise specified, that shall appear on the label. Where additional information is required, it is indicated in plain text.

C.2.4.2 When a backslash or diagonal mark ( / ) appears in the precautionary statement text, it indicates that a choice has to be made between the separated phrases. In such cases, the chemical manufacturer, importer, or responsible party can choose the most appropriate phrase(s). For example, "Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection" could read "wear eye protection".

C.2.4.3 When three full stops (-) appear in the precautionary statement text, they indicate that all applicable conditions are not listed. For example, in "Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/.../equipment", the use of "..." indicates that other equipment may need to be specified. In such cases, the chemical manufacturer, importer, or responsible party can choose the other conditions to be specified.

C.2.4.4 When text in italics is used in a precautionary statement, this indicates specific conditions applying to the use or allocation of the precautionary statement. For example, "Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/.../equipment" is only required for flammable solids "if dust clouds can occur". Text in italics is intended to be an explanatory, conditional note and is not intended to appear on the label.

C.2.4.5 Where square brackets ( [ ] ) appear around text in a precautionary statement, this indicates that the text in square brackets is not appropriate in every case and should be used only in certain circumstances. In these cases, conditions for use explaining when the text should be used are provided. For example, one precautionary statement states: "[In case of inadequate ventilation] wear respiratory protection." This statement is given with the condition for use "- text in square brackets may be used if additional information is provided with the chemical at the point of use that explains what type of ventilation would be adequate for safe use". This means that, if additional information is provided with the chemical explaining what type of ventilation would be adequate for safe use, the text in square brackets should be used and the statement would read: "In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection." However, if the chemical is supplied without such ventilation information, the text in square brackets should not be used, and the precautionary statement should read: "Wear respiratory protection."