HERMA Labels Solutions Chemicals industry

GHS labels on metal drums: certified for use in seawater for overseas transport

Be on the safe side with HERMA labels based on the GHS

The usage scenario: labelling metal drums for overseas transport using hard-wearing GHS labels

Legal labelling requirements for chemicals under the GHS

Product and chemicals labelling in the chemical industry is subject to very strict legal regulations. The GHS regulation (CLP regulation) prescribes globally uniform guidelines as a system for the classification and identification of chemical substances. The purpose of GHS labelling is to protect people and the environment. An example is health hazards such as eye injuries.

GHS stands for Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (also called GHS labelling system or Globally harmonised system of chemical labelling). CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures. The GHS divides dangerous substances into classes represented by different hazard symbols (GHS labels pictograms). These classes are based on the properties of substances and mixtures. Examples are explosive, flammable, corrosive, oxidising and environmentally harmful.

Content and structure of labels in accordance with GHS

In addition to the typical red diamonds featuring the corresponding black hazard pictograms, GHS labels contain further important information. This includes the product identifier (name of the substance), a signal word, and hazard statements detailing the health risks posed by the substance.

Furthermore, the labels provide information on the ways in which the substance poses a risk to the environment, as well as safety instructions on the measures to be taken in the event of contact.

Legibility of hazard warnings on drums

On metal drums, GHS labelling must be legible not only at the time of labelling, but throughout the entire journey from filling to the recipient. The hazard and safety instructions printed in small type are particularly at risk: product splashes, abrasion during stacking and loading, and UV exposure during outdoor storage can damage the print long before the drum reaches its destination. In the case of sea transport, the information must also remain legible even after prolonged contact with seawater. The label material and printing must therefore be coordinated in such a way that the labelling remains fully legible after transport and storage.

GHS-compliant labels containing information on ingredients, hazards and classifications must adhere reliably to a wide variety of containers. Metal drums and metal containers are used particularly frequently, and are often reused multiple times.

Extreme environmental conditions during storage and transport

Containers holding hazardous substances are stored both indoors and outdoors, and are often exposed to significant temperature fluctuations and moisture. In addition, UV radiation causes considerable wear and tear, which is why the printing inks must have a particularly high level of lightfastness.

Furthermore, the coated surfaces of the containers are often contaminated with grease, oil or dust.

Chemical exposure and difficult surfaces

The contents of the drums are often filled whilst still hot. Furthermore, acids, alkalis or solvents may come into contact with the surface of the metal drums.

This places particularly high demands on the adhesive used on the labels. It must adhere securely, immediately and permanently, even under extreme conditions. Environmental factors such as heat, humidity, cold and UV radiation place additional strain on the GHS labels.

In addition to metal containers, PE drums, canisters and IBC containers are also used. These often have curved and, in some cases, rough surfaces. For such applications, a label material that is both particularly flexible and very robust is required to ensure that the labelling adheres securely and permanently.

BS 5609: Labels for the transport of dangerous goods by sea

A special approval is also required for the labelling of dangerous goods during transport by sea. In this context, certification to the British standard BS 5609 is often required, as it ensures the durability and adhesion of labels under maritime conditions.

Hazardous substance and hazardous goods labels: Hazardous substance label on a blue steel drum, close-up.
Drum labels as GHS labels must stick firmly to containers of all kinds: barrels, drums, canisters, shipping containers, IBCs, big bags, bottles and pallets.

The solution: GHS labels, made of PE film for laser printers and copiers

Our sheet labels made of white matt PE film or PET film with extremely strong adhesive meet the particularly high chemical label requirements of the GHS labels application and are ideal for printing hazard / safety information on all laser printers and colour laser printers.

GHS labels: Saltwater-resistant as per BS 5609

The British Standard BS 5609 stipulates that the labels on hazardous substances and dangerous goods (GHS labels) must be able to be stored in saltwater for three months without becoming detached from the container. For sea and air freight, the law says that only packaging and containers with certified, saltwater-resistant, hazardous goods labels and hazardous substance labels should be transported. Drawing from our wide range of adhesive material, we can manufacture ready-to-use GHS labels that comply with the section of BS 5609, including Section 3.

One example is our material for single sheet usage, made of white matt PE film with an extremely strong adhesive, ideal for GHS labels::

  • Weather-resistant, oil- and dirt-repellent
  • Temperature-resistant from -40° C to +150° C
  • Very flexible and stretchable, ideal for curved surfaces
  • Excellent adhesion, even on dirty surfaces
  • Excellent results on black & white and colour laser printers

Learn more about Seawater-proof, laserprint labels

 

GHS labels for in-house re-printing

For labelling directly at the filling stage, we produce GHS labels with pre-printed red diamonds in your chosen format, on rolls for thermal transfer and inkjet printers or as sheets for laser printers. The diamonds are printed using lightfast inks and retain their colour even when the drums are stored outdoors. You can find an overview of all formats, materials and printing processes on our page dedicated to hazardous substance labels.

 

Seawater certification plus removability from re-usable containers

Sustainability and recycling are becoming increasingly important. Re-usable containers are being increasingly used in the chemical sector to conserve resources. GHS labels with the prescribed hazardous substance information (to fulfill the label requirements for chemicals) must, on the one hand, adhere securely to the surface to comply with the BS 5609 saltwater certification standard.

On the other hand, they must also be easy to remove from the surface before the containers are used again. The ideal solution for painted metal surfaces – HERMA GHS labels made of white, robust PET film with a strong adhesive that is nevertheless easy to remove.

Learn more about Seawater-resistant labels

[Translate to English:] Perfekt bedruckbar mit Laser und Farblaser
Excellent adhesion, even on critical surfaces. Seawater-resistant as per BS 5609. Also adapts well to curved surfaces.
[Translate to English:] Auch hohen Anforderungen gewachsen
Resistant to chemicals (acids, alkalis, solvents), seawater, dirt, grease and oil as well as heat, moisture, cold and UV exposure.
Hazardous Material and Dangerous Goods Labels: Example Label for Hazardous Materials
Pre-printed GHS labels with GHS diamond frames: ideally suited for individual re-printing on your printer on rolls or sheets.

GHS labels: We’ll be happy to advise you!

Robust yet flexible films of different types, pressure-sensitive adhesive with a wide temperature range and application on different surfaces, light-resistant printing inks (Blue Wool Scale 6-7), plus perforation punching and printing as required. 

You can purchase bespoke GHS labels from us, which we develop in collaboration with you for the labelling of your chemical products – from the choice of materials right through to the printing process.

Please use the contact form – we look forward to hearing about your specific requirements!

HERMA employee in customer service, homepage of the online shop

Frequently asked questions about GHS labels

  • What does GHS relabelling mean and when is it required?

    GHS relabelling means that the hazard labelling on a container is replaced with an updated, CLP-compliant label. It is required, in particular, when the classification of a substance or mixture becomes more stringent: If a change results in a new hazard class, a more stringent classification or new supplementary information, the supplier must update the label without delay, at the latest six months after the new assessment is available. Within the organisation, a new label is also required if the previous one is no longer legible or if the classification has changed due to new findings. Labels that are no longer valid must be removed, covered over or otherwise rendered unrecognisable.

  • How must containers holding waste oil be labelled?

    Containers holding waste oil must be labelled with the waste designation and the hazard pictograms for the main hazards. The waste code number and the waste designation in accordance with the Waste Catalogue Ordinance (AVV). This is particularly important for waste oil, as the Waste Oil Ordinance requires waste oils from different collection categories or waste code groups to be kept separate. Collection containers must be labelled before they are filled for the first time. If the waste leaves the premises in containers that already comply with transport regulations, the labelling required under transport regulations is sufficient.

  • What regulations apply to GHS labels for transport by sea?

    GHS labels for transport by sea are subject to the IMDG Code, which imposes particularly stringent requirements regarding durability. The labelling on packages must be clearly visible and legible, and must remain recognisable even after at least three months in seawater. BS 5609 is the only known standard that can be used to demonstrate a label’s compliance with the IMDG Code. CLP labelling remains in force in parallel. If the outer packaging already bears a hazard label in accordance with transport legislation, the CLP pictogram for the same hazard does not need to be displayed additionally.

  • Do GHS labels adhere to soiled or painted drums?

    GHS labels adhere reliably to painted drums; however, on soiled surfaces they will only adhere if adhesives specifically designed for this purpose are used. Painted steel and plastic drums provide a good adhesive surface when clean and dry. Oil, dust, moisture or product residues significantly reduce adhesion. For such conditions, there are film labels with a particularly strong adhesive that adhere even to critical surfaces and are dirt-repellent and seawater-resistant.

  • How can labels be removed from reusable drums?

    The easiest way to remove labels from reusable drums is to use a peelable or wash-off adhesive when selecting the labels. Such labels come off without leaving any residue and without damaging the surface. Permanent labels are usually removed during drum reconditioning using heat, hot water or lye. It is important to note that printing ink, protective varnish and hot foil stamping seal the surface and make it more difficult for the lye to dissolve the adhesive. If the drum is refilled with new contents, the old hazard labelling must be completely removed or rendered unrecognisable.

  • What is the difference between BS 5609 Section 2 and Section 3?

    Section 2 tests the unprinted label material with adhesive, whilst Section 3 tests the printed label. Under Section 2, the label and adhesive must pass a three-month salt water test as well as artificial weathering with salt spray and sunlight. Section 3 tests abrasion resistance and print durability, including through weathering, adhesive tape removal and rolling in a mixture of sand and artificial seawater. For Section 3, only materials approved under Section 2 may be used. Testing under Section 3 is carried out using specific printers; the certification therefore applies to a specific combination of material and printing system.