NEWS & EVENTS
Stay Updated with Our Latest Exhibitions and Company Dynamics
GHS Chemical Drum Labeling: Understanding BS5609 Compliance
If you manufacture or transport chemicals, you know the GHS (Globally Harmonized System) requirements. Every chemical drum must carry a label with specific red diamonds indicating hazards (Fire, Toxic, Corrosive).
But printing these labels has a catch: The Sea Water Test.
If a container falls off a ship, the label on the chemical drum must remain readable floating in the ocean for 3 months. This is the BS5609 (British Standard) requirement.
Most thermal transfer ribbons will fail this test. The salt water breaks down the ink, and the waves scrub it off.
What is BS5609 Certification?
BS5609 is the gold standard for marine shipment labeling. It has two parts:
-
Section 2: The label material itself (adhesive + face stock) must survive 3 months in seawater.
-
Section 3: The Print (Ink/Ribbon) must survive abrasion and seawater.
Only Imaging provides Resin ribbons that help you pass Section 3.
The Role of Red Resin Ribbons
GHS labels require Red borders for the hazard pictograms. Instead of buying expensive pre-printed labels (which limits your flexibility), many chemical plants use 2-Color Thermal Transfer Printers (like Cab XC series).
-
Head 1: Prints Black text (Product info).
-
Head 2: Prints Red diamonds (Warning symbols).
We manufacture GHS-Red Resin Ribbons specifically for this purpose. They are opaque, vibrant, and chemically resistant.
Why Wax/Resin is Dangerous Here
Never use Wax/Resin for chemical drums. If a solvent (like Acetone or Toluene) spills down the side of the drum, it will wipe a Wax/Resin label clean instantly. A worker handling that drum won’t know it contains acid. This is a massive safety liability.
Only Imaging’s Chemical Resin is resistant to:
-
Salt Water (BS5609)
-
Solvents (Acetone, Xylene)
-
UV Light (Outdoor storage)
Conclusion: Safety at Sea
When shipping hazardous materials, the label is the first line of defense. Ensure your labels survive the journey from the factory to the ocean and beyond.
Printing GHS labels? You need ribbons that are proven to last.
ONLY IMAGING is a leading supplier of labels, printing equipment and associate consumables, including TTR products in various widths and lengths. Please take the opportunity to learn more about our range of high-quality thermal transfer ribbons and explore our other products for any further questions you may have click Here.
