The transport and storage of dangerous goods requires careful management to ensure the safety of people, the environment and the integrity of the supply chain, the environment and the integrity of the supply chain. Correct classification and labeling of these products not only not only allows for proper identification, but also facilitates compliance with international regulations.
compliance with international regulations. In this article, United Barcode Systems, specialists in offering labeling solutions and equipment solutions and equipment for labeling, coding and marking coding and marking equipment and solutions, we explain the key aspects that companies need to know in order to companies should be aware of in order to effectively manage this type of goods.
The classification and labeling of dangerous goods is a regulated process that aims to identify and communicate the hazards associated with substances that may pose a threat to health, safety or the environment. This includes flammable, toxic, corrosive, explosive and radioactive products, among others.
The main purpose of this classification is to prevent accidents and minimize risks during transportation, handling and storage of these products. To achieve this, specific categories are established to determine the nature of the hazard and the appropriate protocols for its management. Clear and precise labeling is essential so that operators, transporters and security personnel can recognize and properly handle these substances at any point in the logistics chain.
The labeling of dangerous goods is regulated by various international organizations, whose standards have been adopted by most countries to ensure safe and uniform handling of these products.
One of the most important regulatory frameworks is the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), developed by the United Nations. This system establishes criteria for the classification of hazardous substances and defines the key elements that must appear on labels, such as pictograms, signal words and hazard and precautionary phrases.
In addition, depending on the type of transport used, specific regulations apply.
The ADR Agreement (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) regulates the movement of hazardous materials on roads at European level. This agreement establishes risk classifications, packaging and labeling requirements, as well as the conditions necessary for safe transport.
The ADR obliges companies to provide detailed documentation, to mark vehicles transporting these substances and to train drivers to deal with emergencies.
For the transport of dangerous goods by sea, the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) establishes the regulations that must be followed to ensure safety on cargo ships.
This code defines the packaging, labeling and storage procedures inside ships, ensuring that hazardous materials are stowed correctly to avoid leaks, chemical reactions or fires on board. In turn, it requires that each container be identified with visible and clear signage, allowing for safe management of the products during transport.
Air transport of dangerous goods is regulated by IATA (International Air Transport Association), which sets strict rules for the classification, packaging and labeling of these products.
Since airplanes require special safety conditions, IATA regulations impose limits on the amount of hazardous material that can be transported on a single flight. At the same time, companies must provide detailed documentation and ensure that products are correctly labeled to avoid mid-flight incidents.
In the European Union, the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) and the CLP Regulation (Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures) are the key regulations for the safe management of chemicals. Both regulate the identification, classification and labeling of hazardous substances, ensuring that the associated risks are clearly communicated throughout the supply chain.
The REACH Regulation, managed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), requires companies to register and evaluate the chemicals they manufacture or import in quantities greater than one tonne per year. Its main objective is to protect human health and the environment by ensuring that substances used in industry comply with the safety standards established in the EU.
On the other hand, the CLP Regulation, based on the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS), establishes the rules for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals. This includes the mandatory use of warning pictograms, hazard phrases (H) and precautionary statements (P), which provide information on the hazards associated with each substance or mixture. In addition, CLP defines the criteria for the design of labels and safety data sheets (SDS), allowing clear and uniform identification in all member countries.
Compliance with regulations on the classification and labeling of dangerous goods is not optional, but a legal obligation for any company handling such products. Non-compliance can have serious consequences, from financial penalties and trade restrictions to accidents that endanger human lives and cause irreparable damage to the environment.
Beyond the legal implications, the use of an appropriate labeling system facilitates risk identification and improves operational efficiency in warehouses and logistics centers. Clear and standardized coding allows workers and transporters to recognize the hazards associated with each substance and to apply the necessary safety measures, minimizing the possibility of errors and accidents in the handling of these products.
The classification of dangerous goods is based on the level of risk they pose during handling and transport. International regulations have established nine main classes, each with specific characteristics and mandatory safety measures.
Class 1 materials include substances and products designed to cause an explosion or a rapid chemical reaction with the release of heat and gases. These products can be highly hazardous, as improper handling can cause fires, blast waves and fragmentation of materials.
Explosives are divided into six divisions, according to their level of risk, from those with high destructive power (such as dynamite) to those with less dangerous properties, such as pyrotechnics. For their transportation, reinforced packaging, safety distances and controlled conditions are required, minimizing the risk of accidental detonations.
Gases that are compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure belong to Class 2 and may be flammable, toxic or corrosive. These products pose significant hazards due to their ability to expand rapidly in the event of a leak, which can lead to asphyxiation, fire or dangerous chemical reactions.
This class is divided into three main categories:
Cylinders and tanks used for transporting gases must be pressurized and properly labeled, ensuring proper handling and storage.
This category covers liquids with low flash points, which means that they can be easily ignited by sparks, flames or hot surfaces. Substances such as gasoline, acetone and ethanol fall into this class and are essential in the chemical, pharmaceutical and energy industries.
The transportation of these liquids requires fire-resistant containers and adequate ventilation systems to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors. In addition, their handling must follow strict protocols to avoid leaks and spills that could generate fires or explosions.
Flammable solids include materials that can burn spontaneously or react violently with water, causing fires and explosions. These include substances such as white phosphorus and magnesium, used in industrial processes and chemical manufacturing.
These products should be stored in dry and isolated conditions, avoiding exposure to moisture or sources of ignition. In addition, labeling should clearly indicate their hazardousness to ensure safe handling during transportation.
Class 5 substances are not flammable by themselves, but they can release oxygen and accelerate the combustion of other materials, increasing the risk of fire. Examples of these products include ammonium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide, which are widely used in the chemical and textile industries.
These products must be transported in pressure-resistant containers and protected from heat sources, reducing the possibility of uncontrolled reactions. In addition, it is crucial that companies transport these materials with strict safety protocols to avoid accidents.
Class 6 products include poisonous chemicals and biological agents that can cause serious harm to human health. These include pesticides, industrial chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms transported for medical research.
The handling and transport of these substances require special protection, such as sealed containers, controlled ventilation systems and clear signage to prevent accidental contact or cross-contamination.
Radioactive materials represent one of the greatest challenges in the transportation of dangerous goods due to their adverse effects on human health and the environment. These materials include uranium, plutonium and certain isotopes used in medicine and nuclear power generation.
To ensure their safety, these products must be transported in highly protected lead or steel containers, with radiation monitoring systems and strict handling regulations. In addition, their labeling must include radiation symbols and clear warnings to prevent accidental exposure.
Corrosive substances include chemicals capable of damaging organic tissues or degrading metallic materials, such as sulfuric, hydrochloric and caustic acids. These products are used in industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals and metallurgy, where improper handling can cause severe burns and structural damage.
To avoid accidents, these products must be transported in corrosion-resistant containers with additional safety materials, ensuring that there are no leaks or dangerous reactions with other compounds.
This last category encompasses products that do not fit into the previous classes but present significant safety or environmental hazards. Examples include lithium batteries, asbestos, dry ice and magnetized substances.
Since the hazards vary according to the type of material, regulations require product-specific packaging and signage to ensure proper handling and reduce associated risks.
Hazard pictograms are graphic symbols designed to warn about the hazards of a substance or mixture. These icons must be clearly visible on labels and comply with international standards established by the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
Each pictogram has a rhomboid shape with a red border and a black symbol representing the type of hazard. The most commonly used pictograms include flammability, toxicity, corrosion, explosiveness and environmental hazards. The correct inclusion of these pictograms on labels is essential to prevent accidents and facilitate the correct handling of hazardous products in any industrial environment.
The labeling of dangerous goods is not only based on graphic symbols, but also on the use of standardized colors and shapes that indicate the level of danger of the products. These colors are regulated by bodies such as ADR, IMDG and IATA, ensuring quick and effective identification of hazards.
For example, flammable substances are usually labeled with a red background, while toxic products are labeled with a black and white background. Corrosive materials are identified with a black and white sign, while explosives are labeled in orange with warning pictograms. These visual conventions allow anyone involved in the transport or storage of these products to recognize the hazards immediately.
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Beyond the regulatory pictograms and colors, the labeling of dangerous goods must include detailed information to enable safe handling of the product. Mandatory data include:
Compliance with these requirements is essential to avoid legal sanctions and ensure safety at all stages of the logistics process.
Correct industrial coding and marking is a fundamental pillar to ensure traceability, safety and operational efficiency in the chemical industry. United Barcode Systems’ solutions, and in particular APLINK HRX BICOLOR, our new generation of high-resolution two-color printers, will adapt to your specific needs in any environment.
Contact us today and find out how we can help you.
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