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May 2017 SPRAY 37 used in harsh environments. BS 5609:1986 specifies durability criteria for materials, adhesives, print permanence and abrasion resistance, and is divided into three main sections: Section 1—provides an introduction to British Standard BS 5609:1986, and describes the general requirements for labeling materials, adhesives, inks and coatings, and outlines responsibilities for compliance with these standards. Section 2—provides the methods and requirements for testing the label’s base material. Section Two (base material) testing is done using blank labeling material. This is the adhesive backed, pressure sensitive label media used for making labels. The testing involves accelerated artificial weathering tests (e.g., salt spray, salt water immersion, sunlight), dimensional stability tests, and adhesion tests. Some of these tests are conducted by putting labeled test blocks into the ocean, near the shore, for three months. If the material passes all of the tests, it is BS 5609:1986 Section Two compliant—but, it still may not be used for making labels. Section 3—provides the test methods and requirements for testing the printing on the label. Section 3 (printed material) testing for the labels is conducted by printing on a base material that has already passed the Section Two (base material) compliance testing. Both the label base material and printing must pass BS 5609:1986 tests involving exposure to salt water, sunlight and abrasion. Many labeling companies are also applying this standard to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification & Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) pictograms and transportation labels because containers of chemical products may be transported by ship, or used in harsh environments where they are exposed to wind, weather, ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and extreme temperatures (e.g., -40°C–55°C or -40°F–131°F). Compliance with the BS 5609:1986 will ensure compliance with the applicable national and international governmental regulations and industry standards. The latest International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, Volumes 1 & 2 While any shipper, label or print supplier may carry out their own testing for IMDG Code compliance, many companies are turning to independent, accredited labs to perform the BS 5609:1986 testing, as the British Standard recommends an independent testing facility to manage and validate compliance to these requirements and codes. Ryan Houle, Business Development Manager of UL (Underwriters Laboratories) in Northbrook, IL, has seen a growing knowledge gap in the industry with respect to compliance with the IMDG Code for the three months’ salt water immersion test. “When the U.S. implemented the GHS guidelines in June of 2015, many chemical and label converters acted quickly to meet the new international requirements, but the specific label tests were often overlooked,” said Houle, who also noted that “…after detailed discussions with label and chemical manufacturers, UL decided to launch its Marine Use Marking & Labeling Certification Program, to help advise, test and certify labels that meet the BS 5609:1986 requirements.” Chemical manufacturers can reduce their risk and verify compliance with a BS 5609:1986 certified label by utilizing a third-party program, such as UL’s Marine Use Marking & Labeling Certification Program. Label and printer suppliers would be able to independently evaluate the label stock and printed labels through UL, and demonstrate compliance with these regulatory requirements. Labels and printers tested through UL that meet the applicable requirements are then published in UL’s Online Certification Directory, providing quick and easy access to a list of compliant suppliers. For questions regarding durability testing of marks, labels and placards and the dangerous goods regulations, contact the U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (800) 467-4922; Ryan Houle of UL at ryan.j.houle@ul.com or (847) 664-2732; or the author at steve@shipmate.com or (310) 370-3600. SPRAY


Spray May 2017
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