Handle with Care: The Essentials of Dangerous Goods Labelling

Dangerous goods labels in Australia help to protect people, goods and property. Here are the essentials and what to look for when it comes to warning labels.

Clear labelling for dangerous products isn’t just a safe and sensible idea – it’s a legal requirement when it comes to modern workplaces and safe working conditions. The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals requires that hazardous chemicals be identified via labelling and safety data sheets, while The Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail (ADG Code) sets out criteria for transporting dangerous goods by rail or road. In addition, dangerous goods stickers such as Heavy, Warning and transport direction labels can help minimise accidents and injuries, ultimately protecting people as well as goods and property.

What are the different types of warning labels?

There are several different varieties of warning labels for dangerous goods available:

• Those relating to hazardous chemicals, such as Corrosive 8 labels, Class 9 Lithium Hazard labels and Explosive label options
• Those relating to the safe handling of goods, such as Heavy, Flammable, Magnetized Material and Fragile label options, and
• Those relating to the care and protection of goods in transit, such as Fragile, This Way Up, Please Refrigerate on Arrival labels and Do Not Break Down labels.

What should you look for in dangerous goods labels?

The two absolutely essential factors for dangerous goods labels are visibility and durability.

The first, visibility, is essential because you don’t want staff overlooking an important label resulting in unintentional injury to people or damage to goods or property. Neon or fluorescent labels are easy to spot and provide high contrast so the message can be read quickly and easily.

The second, durability, is essential because it’s very important labels won’t fall off, rub, fade, peel away or disintegrate during the product’s transport and lifetime. There are a few key choices you can make to invest in durable labels:

• Work with a reputable and local provider, such as Thermal Labels
• Check whether labels have high-tack adhesive to ensure a firm bond with the product’s or carton’s surface
• Choose top coated label stock (this is the only type we print) so that labels will be more resistant to scratches, fading and friction during transit.

Whilst we endeavor to keep our information up to date and correct, Thermal Labels does not take any responsibility regarding incorrect usage of dangerous goods products for the requirements of your business.

The process of finding and using the right dangerous goods labels in Australia can seem complex, but there are resources to help. Safe Work Australia gives a clear rundown of requirements for GHS and ADG labelling. And whether you’re looking for bright, reliable pre-printed warning labels or a custom labelling solution, we can create and send your high-quality labels within Australia with rapid turnarounds.