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label(s) or stencil(s) will still be identifiable on packages surviving at least 3 months’ immersion in the sea. In considering suitable labelling methods, account shall be taken of the durability of the packaging materials used and the surface of the package.” This requirement to withstand three months in the sea is repeated in the IMDG Code to cover marks on packaged goods (5.2.1.2.2) as well as placards and marks on cargo transport units (5.3.1.1.1.2 and elsewhere).
STICKER ALBUM LABELLING • HAZARD LABELS AND PLACARDS MAY BE THE CHEAPEST ELEMENT OF A SHIPMENT BUT CAN ALSO BE THE MOST COSTLY, WARNS LABELINE INTERNATIONAL’S RICHARD SHREEVE
HAZARD LABELS, PLACARDS and handling marks are designed to minimise the risk posed by dangerous goods. They give information about the products to those who are handling and transporting them and, should an incident occur, help emergency responders to rapidly determine the best corrective action to take. It is logical, therefore, that there are standard parameters for the specification, quality and properties of labels and marks included in the dangerous goods regulations for each mode of transport, namely ADR
IATA DGR for identifications marks, such as OVERPACK, SALVAGE, address labels, UN number, Proper Shipping Name and so on. In 5.3.2.2.1, ADR and RID also specify the required properties of vehicle placards: “The material used shall be weather-resistant and ensure durable marking.” The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) state in 7.2.2.1: “The material of every label, the printing and any adhesive thereon, must be sufficiently durable to withstand normal transport conditions including open weather exposure
(road), RID (rail), IATA DGR/ICAO TI (air) and the IMDG Code (sea). For example, both ADR and RID state at 5.2.2.1.7: “All labels shall be able to withstand open weather exposure without a substantial reduction in effectiveness”. Similar text applies in ADR, RID and
without a substantial reduction in effectiveness.” Perhaps understandably, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is even more demanding, stating in 5.2.2.1.7: “The method of affixing the label(s) or applying stencil(s) of label(s) on packages containing dangerous goods shall be such that the
HCB MONTHLY | FEBRUARY 2021
BUY THE BEST One way in which users can ensure that their labels and marks are likely to comply with the above requirements is to make sure that they are certified to BS5609. This is a globally recognised specification to test printed pressure-sensitive, adhesive-coated labels for their adhesive properties and resistance to abrasion and sunlight. Labels are tested offshore, normally by applying them to aluminium plates that are then submerged and left to the elements for three months. Of course, to get the maximum adhesion, it is important that labels are applied to a clean, dry and suitable substrate. Labeline’s new purpose-built offices overlook the banks of the Tor-Torridge estuary and its location gives the company’s founder and managing director, Keith Kingham, the opportunity to test labels on a variety of substrates in challenging conditions. The articles are hung into the estuary where they are dragged through the sand by strong tidal salt-water currents and exposed to all weathers. AVOIDING SNAGS Damaged or incorrect labelling is a common and frequent cause for snagging consignments of dangerous goods. Usually, the biggest impact of a consignment being held is the delay to the customer and the consequential commercial implications. There is also the additional cost and inconvenience of having to rectify the problem. Some forwarders will replace incorrect or damaged labels on behalf of
