Speaking of precautionary label for chemicals, it seems familiar as it’s frequently mentioned while unfamiliar to others with concerns on "What is the precautionary label? When is a precautionary label required? What are the elements of precautionary label? What is the basic form of the label?" You may find all the answers from the following interpretation.
First of all, what we may need to learn is that label is one of the two elements of the chemical harmonized hazard communication of the United Nations "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals"(GHS). The other one is the safety data sheet, commonly called SDS(MSDS).
Secondly, China, as one of the countries that implemented GHS relatively early, issued the mandatory national standard "GB 15258" for precautionary label in 2009. Now let’s take on a journey in GB15258 to solve the above questions.
1. What is the precautionary label for chemicals?
Label is the combination of written text, pictograms and codes indicating the hazard and safety precautions of chemicals, which can be affixed, hung or printed on the outer packaging or container of chemicals.
2. When is a precautionary label required?
According to the "Regulations on Safety Administration of Hazardous Chemicals", manufacturers of hazardous chemicals shall hang or affix a precautionary label on the package (including outer packaging) with the content consistent with the hazardous chemicals. From GHS classification perspective, Labels for chemicals with GHS classification is mandatory, otherwise, it’s recommended to be provided.
In addition, the Announcement No. 30 [2012] of AQSIQ，the "Measures for the Administration of Registration of Hazardous Chemicals" of SAWS (Order No.53), the "Measures for Environmental Management of New Chemical Substances" of SEPA , etc. have explicitly stipulated to ask for labels during the import and export of hazardous chemicals, registration of hazardous chemicals, and registration of new chemical substances.
3. What are the elements of precautionary label?
Label elements compose of chemical identification, pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements, emergency phone numbers, supplier identification and reference guiding words, etc.
4. What is the basic form of the label?
The following shows the label example in GB15258 with element tags added:
Please stay tuned as there will be more details on requirements of each label element coming on next.