Guidance Document – Specification of Hazard Labels
Introduction
Paragraph 7.2.2.3.2(a) in the 59th edition of the DGR sets out the specification for hazard labels, which reads:
7.2.2.3.2 Hazard labels must conform to the following specifications:
(a) labels must be configured as shown in Figure 7.3.A. The label must be in the form of a square set at an angle of 45° (diamond shaped). Except as provided in 7.2.2.3.1, the minimum dimensions must be 100 × 100 mm and the minimum width of the line inside the edge forming the diamond must be 2 mm. The line inside the edge must be parallel and 5 mm from the outside of that line to the edge of the label. The line inside the edge on the upper half of the label the line must be the same colour as the symbol and the line inside the edge on the lower half of the label must be the same colour as the class or division number in the bottom corner. Where dimensions are not specified, all features must be in approximate proportion to those shown.
This text was adopted into the 56th edition of the DGR with a two-year transition period for the design of hazard labels to be brought to this specification. This change, requiring a line with a minimum width of 2 mm, originated with the UN Model Regulations and was expected to be applied across all the modal regulations over the same timeframe. However, the European Agreement Concerning the International Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) in the 2017 – 2018 edition delayed implementation of the 2 mm minimum thickness line until 30 June 2019. Read more…