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What needs to be included on dangerous good labels?

Packaging dangerous goods are something that can seem daunting. When labelling your hazardous goods, including all the required details is essential.


Packaging dangerous goods is something that can seem daunting. When it comes to labelling your dangerous goods, it’s important to include all the required details - There are many factors to consider, and making an error can be costly and dangerous. Let’s break it down to make the process more approachable! 

An article of dangerous goods is correctly labelled if the following are included:

  • The label is written in English
  • The product identifier (the unique name and number by which the goods are to be known)
  • The name, Australian address, and business phone number of the manufacturer or importer
  • The identity and proportion disclosed for each chemical ingredient, in accordance with Schedule 8 of the WHS Regulations
  • Any hazard pictogram(s) required based on the correct classifications of the goods. These should be in the shape of a square set on a 45-degree angle (a diamond shape). You can view a full range of these HERE.
  • Any required hazard statements: A unique hazard statement code is assigned to each hazard class and category. These should be written in bold and sentence-case text.
  • Any required signal word: Only one signal word should be present per label, this should be written in bold and upper-case text.
  • Any required precautionary statements: These fall into five categories - Prevention, Response, Storage, Disposal, and General. These should be printed in sentence-case text.
  • Any information about the hazards, first aid, and emergency procedures relevant to the goods, which are not otherwise included in the hazard statement or precautionary statement.
  • The expiry date of the goods, if applicable. This should be written in sentence-case text.

The following additional information should also be included, in cases where it is available:

  • An emergency phone number for poisons or treatment advice: It’s important to note, that if an emergency information service or Poisons Information Centre phone number is listed on the label, this arrangement should be confirmed with the service beforehand and they should be provided with copies of the safety data sheet.
  • The overseas name, address, and phone number of the manufacturer/supplier
  • A website
  • Reference made to the safety data sheet

It is a requirement that dangerous goods labels must be durable to remain clear and legible during transit, and to minimise risk of damage by the contents of the container. For labels as important as these it’s crucial to find a knowledgeable label manufacturer you can rely on to provide a high-quality product!

Cohesion Labels is a local Western Australian label manufacturer you can trust. We might be almost 100 years old, but we’re young at heart! As one of Australia’s most experienced label producers, we combine a history that stretches back to 1925 with the industry’s most modern and innovative mindset. Get in touch with us for a quote - We'd love to see how we could make labelling easy for you!

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