GHS labels: safe labelling in accordance with the Globally Harmonised System

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.

High standards for legibility and print quality in GHS labels

The extensive text of the hazard statements presents a particular challenge. As space on GHS labels is limited, this information often has to be printed in very small type.

To ensure that the text remains clearly legible, high-quality label material is required that delivers sharp, crisp print results and optimal contrast.

GHS chemical drum labels with information on ingredients, real or potential hazards and classification must adhere securely to a wide variety of containers. Metal drums and metal containers are frequently used again and again.

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.

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 individual re-printing with your printer

Other film labels from our in-house adhesive material production are also ideally suited for labels GHS. Pre-printed labels with GHS diamond frames in your label format are suitable for individual re-printing with your printer. Here high-quality printing results are essential on account of the small fonts often used for precautionary statements. According to the Blue Wool Scale, the coloured printing inks used for pre-printed red diamond frames have a lightfastness of 6-7. These labels for chemicals are also highly resistant to environmental conditions and have excellent adhesion. Depending on the type of printer, we will produce GHS labels for you in your desired format:

• On a roll for thermal transfer printers
• On a roll for inkjet printers with pigmented inks
• On A4 or A3 sheets as well as in special formats for black & white and colour laser printers

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

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!