6.3

6.3 Labelling and marking of dangerous goods

The IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code (Ref. 40) contains provisions on how packaged dangerous goods should be labelled. These provisions are valid for all types of transported packages that might be inspected on any occasion in order to determine their contents. The IMDG Code contains all details on how dangerous goods must be labelled. The labels are shown in Annex 6.

If the substance in the package besides the main hazard (e.g. toxic) also exhibits an extra so called “subsidiary risk” (e.g. corrosive) this must also be shown by extra labels (see Figure 6 - 26).

The contents of the package must be given on the exterior of the packaging by substance’s proper shipping name (correct technical name). The proper shipping name is the name of the substance under which it is listed in the IMDG Code. The proper shipping name must also be supplemented by a chemical name of the substance and by the UN number (cf. Figure 6 - 22 and Figure 6 - 27).

The substance’s name may be given in the national language for domestic transport, but most countries require English for international transport.

The packaging must be approved for transport of dangerous goods (cf. Section 6.1.2), and this approval must be marked on the packaging (cf. the drum’s head in Figure 6 - 22).

Labels and inscriptions must be clearly readable after three months in seawater. The labels’ sizes should be 100 mm x 100 mm for smaller packages (drums, boxes, etc.) and 250 mm x 250 mm for freight containers and dangerous goods on pallets.

The US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a marking system ("the NFPA fire diamond", Figure 6 - 20) that indicates the dangers associated with various hazardous materials (cf. Annex 6). The system is intended for use on fixed installations, like storage containers, storage rooms and warehouses, entrances to laboratories, and chemical processing equipment. The system is designed for the benefit of first responders. Though the system is not required in transportation it is often seen on transported dangerous goods all over the world. (See Annex 6)

Figure 6 - 20

Tank cars and tank containers running by road under international ADR regulations will carry a two- or three-digit code, referred to as the Hazard Identification Number (HIN) or the Kemler Code. This code will give information about the hazards involved in dealing with the material. If the digits are preceded by an X (as in Figure 6 - 21) it indicates that the substance reacts dangerously with water. The number below the Kemler Code is the UN number for the substance. (See Annex 6)

Figure 6 - 21

The so called Hazchem Codes are used in the UK only. They are shown on vehicles carrying dangerous by road in UK national journeys and are therefore not dealt with here.

	Picture source: CEDRE	Picture source: CEDRE
Figure 6 - 22 A drum with labels, proper shipping name of contents and approval marking.	Figure 6 - 23 A pallet with sacks of an oxidizing substance.	Figure 6 - 24 An example of a dry freight container with packages of a single dangerous substance.

Figure 6 - 25 Both sides and both ends of a dry freight container or a tank container must carry a placard or placards corresponding to the appropriate labels.
Figure 6 - 26 An example of a container containing packages of dangerous substances belonging to different classes. Only placards have to be affixed.	Picture source: CEDRE