Hazardous waste labels warn of dangerous substances and vary by country. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals aims to create a consistent worldwide labeling system, but success varies. Medical waste has specialized labeling, and different types of hazardous waste have different labels based on their specific hazards. Location-based changes include the use of different symbols and colors.
Hazardous waste labels are used to warn people that an item contains a hazardous substance. There are many different policies for labeling hazardous substances, mostly based on the country of sale, manufacture or transport of the container in question. Typically, hazardous waste labels have an image indicating their hazardous nature, a prominent word indicating danger and degradation of the substance contained. Since hazardous waste is primarily a by-product of human processes, some types have special labeling indicating their man-made nature.
In 1992, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) attempted to combine the labeling system for all participating countries into one system. The basic idea was that all labels would be consistent worldwide. Even if a person couldn’t read the words, the design and image would be familiar enough for people to understand the danger.
The United Nations has endorsed this program, but it has found varying success in participating countries. The GHS has worked well in the European Union and is very common in its member countries. The United States has adopted most of its policies, but some manufacturers still use proprietary hazardous waste labels. While they don’t adhere to GHS guidelines, they are generally very explicit in their images and warnings, enough to grab people’s attention.
Hazardous waste covers a wide range of possible hazards, hence hazardous waste labels too. Under GHS, the label and associated image indicate the type of hazard the item poses. Different types of hazardous waste can do everything from cause explosions to increase the risk of cancer or even eat through metal. Because the category is so broad, there simply isn’t a label for hazardous waste; its labeling is generally mixed with naturally occurring substances.
One of the few exceptions to this policy is medical waste. Although some types of medical waste fall into the categories outlined by the GHS, many countries prefer to label them with a specialized system. These hazardous waste labels may also contain the standard GHS information, but typically there will be images associated with the local country medical system.
Other slight changes based on location are common. For example, in European countries, the saltire, an ancient heraldic symbol of two crossed sticks or weapons, is commonly used to attract people’s attention. In the US, that symbol is less recognizable, so they use a single exclamation point instead. Other common changes occur in the colors used, usually in areas where red is least associated with danger.
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