Positioning Tips for Your Dangerous Goods Labels

It’s vitally important that you’re not only using the right dangerous good labels when transporting hazardous items, but also that you apply the labels correctly so they can be effectively read, understood and scanned. So what should you keep in mind when applying these crucial labels? These four tips will ensure success.

Ensure all dangerous good labels are positioned on the same side of the box

According to International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations and best practice, all dangerous goods labels as well as the shipping address should be attached to one single side of the box. This helps to ensure no important information is overlooked as the goods are being transported, handled and shipped. If the labels won’t fit on one side, use a different size or shape of box so they will.

Ensure labels are all clearly visible and correctly positioned

It’s essential that all labels are clear to read and scan without any obstructions. This means not positioning any label over any part of another label, and not applying tape over scannable parts of the label. It also means ensuring diamond-shaped labels such as Class 8 and Class 9 labels are positioned as a diamond, and not as a square on an angle. If you can’t fit them on there as they should be positioned, level up the box size.

Ensure addresses are securely printed or attached

The safe delivery of any product is paramount, and particularly so when we’re talking potentially hazardous goods! To ensure items arrive at their final destination reliably, ensure that the sending and receiving addresses are printed and attached securely to the outside surface of the package, rather than placed loosely in a pouch. We can help you to choose the right adhesive for your shipping labels and dangerous goods shipping labels so they’ll remain firmly affixed.

Double check your dangerous good labels

Each carrier will have their own requirements for dangerous goods, in addition to the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail (ADG Code) and IATA. For this reason, it’s worth double checking before you send off each item. Ensure you apply orientation arrows on opposite sides of the package if shipping liquids, and consider how products might be stacked when placing appropriate dangerous goods handling labels and caution: heavy labels. A little extra thought before shipping can minimise returns, injuries and other incidents.

Thermal Labels can help with pre printed dangerous goods labels, shipping labels and custom labels as needed. Contact our Australian-based team today for fast and reliable dispatch.