Chemwatch Knowledgebase

What is a label in the Chemwatch system and why is a Label so important at the workplace?

A label is used to identify a substance, it is often the initial source of information, presented in a written and or graphic form and is attached or on the outside face of a container. The label enables an employee to identify the hazard and qualities of the contents in a container. So it is important to determine the specific purpose of the label. Is the label for a product used within the organisation only or for products to be sold commercially? If intended for sale, will the product be used domestically or industrially? This will affect the information that is required by legislation to appear. One of the main requirements is to ensure the label is clear, concise and legible to ensure an employee understands the information that appears and that it also complies with the labelling regulations. The information on the label appears in English by default, however, the label can be translated into other languages available. The label must remain on the container until it is cleaned to ensure the hazardous substance or hazardous chemical is removed or disposed off the container. Note that Chemwatch also supports GHS Classification and foreign language, even multi language labels. GHS Hazard and Precaution phrases can also appear on Labels depending on the label format chosen to generate label information.

The Chemwatch labels conform to the requirements of various jurisdictions including GHS, EU, Australian/NZ, Japanese, Chinese, etc. Label designs and content may be used as 'final art' for large scale professional production or small scale production using in-house printers. Labels generally have specific size and come in various formats, however, there's basic information that is required to be included in a label such as;

• Language written in English 
• Product identifier
• Manufacturer or Supplier’s name, Australian address and business telephone number
• Identify and proportion disclosed (composition%) in accordance with Schedule 8 for each ingredient
• Hazard pictogram(s) applicable to the correct classification of the chemical (GHS pictogram)
• Hazard statement(s), signal word, precautionary statement(s) consistent with the applicable classification of the chemical
• Hazards first aid, emergency procedures
• Expiry date of the chemical where applicable

List of Default Label Templates

The attached list of available label templates have been developed by Chemwatch to choose from. These will show in the Label's panel when generating a label or can be customised to your settings and input/remove information by using the D-Gen Lab (Label Generator) module. 

All the label templates are depended on the availability of the Gold (M)SDS. If the Gold (M)SDS for the material you are after is not available, then you will not have access to any of the labels.