Epson's Solution to the GHS challenge

The New GHS Standard for labeling of chemicals

Safe Work Australia has updated the requirements for labelling of hazardous chemicals under its safety data Sheet (SDS) to align with the UN's Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classification and labelling of chemicals.

What is GHS?

  • GHS is a worker safety initiative to provide chemical handlers with important hazard information.
  • With GHS chemical manufacturers must reclassify their chemicals using the GHS standardized classification criteria.
  • GHS has created a single international hazard warning communication system using standardized color pictograms.
  • GHS requires GHS compliant labels by 1st January, 2017.

GHS Label Challenge

  • Every chemical produces unique hazards.
  • Each hazard type will now require a unique COLOR pictogram.
  • The number of pictograms will often vary from label to label.
  • The # of pictograms must match the # of hazards. No extra symbols or blanks are allowed.
  • The number of colour pre-printed labels required will explode greatly increasing costs and reducing efficiencies.

Epson's ColorWorks Solution for GHS Labels

With Epson's ColorWorks™ labeling solutions, chemical manufacturers can create full-colour GHS compliant labels on synthetic materials that are waterproof, smudge-proof and alcohol and chemical resistant.

No Pre-printed Labels Required

With Epson's industrial-strength ColorWorks color-on-demand printers, the need for pre-printed labels is eliminated. Just load plain labels and print the required hazard pictograms and information for each chemical.

  • Need for pre-printed labels is virtually eliminated.
  • With ColorWorks, just load plain labels and print.

Durability is Critical for Chemical Hazard Labels

GHS hazard labels must be exceptionally durable and resistant to chemicals and abrasions. BS5609 is one of the most common benchmarks for certifying durability.
Unlike dye-based inks, Epson's durable pigment-based inks deliver outstanding stability and resistance to many chemicals including, MEK, alcohol, acetone as well as oil and water, fading and smudges.

Deadlines Are Coming

Safe Work Australia has adopted the GHS standard and laid out a schedule for implementation.

until 31 December 2016 Only from 1 January 2012
(mandatory after 31 December 2016)
Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods

National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets [NOHSC:2011(2003)] 		Hazardous Chemicals

Code of Practice for the Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals
Dangerous Goods

Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code)

Note that the ADG Code applies to the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail. It will still apply to the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail after 31 December 2016

Examples of Labels Printed with Epson ColorWorks Solutions