When you deal with shipments of dangerous goods there are many aspects to consider. One must surely use the right packaging, but also explicit the danger of the goods contained through the use of labels for dangerous goods.
Choosing them and using them correctly is a duty ruled by regulations that all companies involved must comply with, therefore it is important to rely on companies specialized in the field of dangerous goods labels, starting from the purchase phase. We always have in stock a wide range of labels for the transport of dangerous goods.
Let’s see now the basics of these labels which in Italy are sometimes called with the wrong name “ADR labels”.
We want to underline that this name is wrong because regulations by land ADR, by railroad RID, by inland waterways ADN and by sea IMDG are basically identical for hat concerns compliance requirements of labels and marks; major differences can be noticed instead for shipments by air ICAO-TI/IATA, where some allowances contained in the ADR and other regulations are not permitted for this transportation modality.
Specifications about the shape and dimensions of the danger labels
Specifications about shape or dimensions cannot be ignored, and using labels with a size or content different than the standard ones according to the packaging on which they must be placed is just wrong.
Hence “the label shall be in the form of a square set at an angle of 45° (diamond-shaped). The minimum dimensions shall be 100 mm × 100 mm. There shall be a line inside the edge forming the diamond which shall be parallel and approximately 5 mm from the outside of that line to the edge of the label.” (ADR 5.2.2.2.1.1.2)
On the other side it is true that “if the size of the package so requires the dimensions may be reduced proportionally, provided the symbols and other elements of the label remain clearly visible.” (ADR 5.2.2.2.1.1.3), but if these prerequisites about the dimensions are not respected, a label in the wrong dimension will mean a lack of labeling, with the due consequences, like sanctions and stop of goods. That is why it is always better to ask an expert before choosing the dimension of the labels to buy. And we must also keep in mind that IATA regulations allow the reduction of labels only for a few types. (IATA 7.2.2.3.1).
We must here spend a few more words about labels dimensions.
As producers, we have experienced directly which are the limits of the production process, and we know very well our duties and responsibilities; in addition, we’ve seen very often how meticulous police can be when checking shipments by road and by other transport modalities.
Some producers, especially when printing in rolls, slightly reduce the print dimensions to exploit machines at their best.
In this way, danger labels are smaller than the standard ones (100X100 mm), which makes the shipment non-compliant, or sanctionable. It might seem strange, but in Northern Europe, even these small but important details are checked: a tenth of a millimetre might make the difference when producing and when declaring conformity.
Contrast with the background colour and with the colour of the labels
To ensure the best visibility, and therefore to warn anyone coming in touch with the packaging containing dangerous goods, like for instance supply chain employees, or emergency workers, “labels shall be displayed on a background of contrasting colour or shall have either a dotted or solid outer boundary line.” (ADR 5.2.2.2.1.1.1)
Another problem occurring very often is the labels background colour. This problem is much more obvious when printing directly on the packaging. Actually, very often wrong colours are used or, even worse, they are different from the ones required in the regulations.
Colour and shape of symbols contained in the label
To guarantee the best visibility of information contained in danger labels “The symbols, text and numbers shall be clearly legible and indelible and shall be shown in black on all Labels” with just a few exceptions where they “may be shown in white” (ADR 5.2.2.2.1.6)
Regulations must be followed also for what concerns symbols or pictograms.
It happens more and more often: some producers full of imagination end up putting on the market “new” danger labels which are totally eccentric and non-compliant with the requirements of regulations. It also happens more and more often, that these labels are sanctioned during police checks and may cause the stop of transported goods.
Durability and resistance to weather
Of course, packed dangerous goods may travel for long periods on different means of transport, and through different weather condition areas; therefore it is indicated that “all labels shall be able to withstand open weather exposure without a substantial reduction in effectiveness.” (ADR 5.2.2.2.1.7)
This means that materials and colours used to make labels must be chosen thoroughly to keep your signalling compliant and long-lasting.
Don’t hide your danger labels!
As we highlighted in all the previous steps, dangerous goods labels are useful and compliant only when well visible. ADR states that each label shall “be so placed on the package that it is not covered or obscured by any part or attachment to the
packaging or any other label or marks” (ADR 5.2.2.1.6)
More precisely, all danger labels shall:
- be affixed to the same surface of the package (same side),
- be displayed next to each other when more than one label is required.
We have edited an article about how and where to apply danger labels and marks, where you can have an insight into the best practices to label and mark your dangerous goods in compliance with the law.
Useful tips
Producing labels for dangerous goods (sometimes called in Italy with the wrong name “ADR labels”) is a highly precise job that requires very deep knowledge about production processes and the norms for the transport of dangerous goods. A random producer may well print labels, but only a producer who is specialized in dangerous goods may produce and supply labels that are “inspector-proof” and “check-proof”. If you are about to buy labels, why should you buy non-compliant labels?
Discover our stock of compliant labels for the transport of dangerous goods or contact us for your customized labels.