It happens in everyday life to everyone of us: when we are traveling by car, plane, train or ship, we often see other vehicles that carry markings and labels in multiple colors and diverse graphic designs.
The majority of those vehicles are transporting dangerous goods, as for example inflammable or corrosive substances, that signal the danger they are exposing. These are called hazard labels or dangerous goods labels.
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The importance of labels
What might seem on first glance as a minor difference in form and color, contains in fact important information for those who ship and receive dangerous goods. This information is well known amongst companies that deal with these kinds of transports on a daily basis, while choosing the right type of label.
The offer from Serpac
Amongst the companies that deal with supplies for dangerous goods shipments, are those, who print and distribute labels. The majority are distributers that do not engage in offering any additional services related to sales, customized products or information on the usage of these products. Serpac on the other hand is a company that specializes in the production and distribution of hazard labels and dangerous goods packaging. Drawn from years of experience in the field, Serpac offers next to UN certified packaging also, absorbent material, transport documents and packing equipment, while proposing a great variety of hazard labels to choose from. Let’s have a look at what we are talking about.
Not only labels but: markings, placards, panels and GHS pictograms
Until now we talked in a more general manner (and maybe a bit inadequately) about “labels”: a broad definition that contains a series of very diverse categories. To start in the right way, it is necessary to specify that, by using the terminology labels, we refer to dangerous goods labels, which are correlating with 9 hazard classes and which are being applied onto packages. The markings on the other hand are fixed onto packages and containers, while placards and panels are mostly out of aluminum, plastic or, in the case of orange plate markings, fire-resistant metal, adapted to be attached to containers and vehicles.
Finally, there are those called GHS pictograms that are being permanently attached to its recipient container, to signal the danger towards the user of the product. Serpac is capable of producing CLP labels, which contain GHS pictograms in the requested quantity, and thus custom made for our clients: our experts can print digitally, guaranteeing a great variety due to electronic processing.
Nine different hazard classes
Another difference to keep in mind when talking about dangerous goods labels are the different hazard classes. As per regulation, they are divided into nine different classes, but given all hazard-divisions, the total mounts up to 13. Amongst those, the most frequently used are flammable liquids, corrosives and miscellaneous dangerous goods. In the Serpac catalogue, one can find all labels pertaining to all different hazard classes. Regarding the purchase, the company gives the customer the possibility to reduce the amount of labels per package, maintaining a very competitive price.
Other supplies
Let’s not forget that in order to transport dangerous goods, one has to also purchase other products, that are not connected to labels. For a correct and secure shipment of dangerous goods, the use of UN certified packaging is obligatory and thus must meet all regulations. Serpac is specialized in the production of UN certified packaging made out of cardboard, such as 4G and 4GV boxes and therefore more than capable of supporting its customers in choosing the right packaging for their dangerous goods.
Our services in a nutshell
For all types of labels that were mentioned above, Serpac offers the possibility to choose from different materials and different printing techniques. What are those? Labels and markings are available on material such as glossy paper and PVC or in polyethylene with a diagonal pre-cut applicator or a zig-zag perforation to simplify the separation. Placards and panels are in PVC and can either be purchased as permanent adhesives or closable metal panels, while GHS pictograms are available as permanent adhesives in different graphics and sizes.
What if you need customized labels tailored to your needs? No problem, Serpac will make it happen. Send us a request by providing us with the following data: dimension, format, material, color and quantity of the desired label. Our experts will take care of everything else.
