Hazard warning labels or UN warning labels are used on outer packaging and containers to alert to the presence of hazardous chemicals and dangerous or unstable goods. They are often referred to as GHS (Globally Harmonised System) Labels or CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures) Labels.
Hazard warning symbols and haz labels are required to be shown on any hazardous products within the UK or in the EU trading area. CLP pictograms consist of a range of nine different symbols which conform to EU and UK standards and comply with the GHS hazard labels standards. They can be found on barrels of chemical, welding gas cylinders, road or rail tankers among others.
UN hazard warning labels are covered by United Nations recommendations on the carriage and movement of dangerous goods. These haz labels are not legally binding or mandatory from the UN on countries but have, none the less, gained acceptance around the globe and facilitate safe trade.
Examples of these labels – of which we carry large stocks – would be explosive, flammable, limited quantity, dangerous on contact with water, radioactive, medical waste (e.g.: used Covid PCR tests) and many others that can be seen and purchased online elsewhere in this website. Several international agreements and laws of various countries use the UN format of hazard warning labels; one example is the CLP regulations – introduced in 2010.
Clearly recognizable labels are needed on every layer of product’s package that contains dangerous substances.
According to CLP Regulations Article 17, the following elements must be present:
Name, address, and telephone number of the supplier(s); the nominal quantity of the substance or mixture in the package where this is being made available to the public unless this quantity is specified elsewhere on the package as well as:
- Hazard pictograms, where applicable.
- The relevant signal word, where applicable.
- Hazard statements, where applicable.
- Appropriate precautionary statements where applicable.
- A section for supplemental information, where applicable.
Hazard labels are also used in the transport of dangerous goods to warn people of the risks of handling parcels or goods to themselves, others, and the environment. These labels are also known as Transport Labels or ADR Labels.
Using our range, you will find that hazardous goods can be identified correctly by universally recognized warning signs and that the warning signs (pictograms) are the correct size and clearly marked so that they are easily categorised as hazardous by handlers. They are supplied printed on a synthetic BS5609-approved material to ensure durability in extreme environments.
For more in-depth reading on carriage and labelling of hazardous goods, please see here: https://www.unece.org/trans/danger/danger.html