• Labeling requirements for dangerous goods cover size and orientation, as well as the placement of labels on a small means of containment.

A label is a dangerous goods safety mark used to identify the hazard associated with a dangerous good. It is displayed on a small means of containment and communicates the nature of the danger.

Part 4, “Dangerous Goods Safety Marks,” of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations contains specific information on labels and labeling requirements, including label size and orientation, and placement on a small means of containment.

Labels on a small means of containment

One label must be displayed on a small means of containment for the primary hazard class and, if required, one for each subsidiary hazard class of dangerous goods in transport.

Where must labels be placed?

When a label is required, it must be displayed:

• On any side of the outer surface of a small means of containment other than the side on which it is intended to rest or to be stacked during transport;
• On or near the shoulder of a cylinder containing dangerous goods; or
• In the case of a label for dangerous goods included in Class 7, Radioactive Materials, on two opposite sides of the outer surface of a small means of containment, other than the side on which it is intended to rest or to be stacked during transport.

However, a label with sides that are reduced to 30 mm in length may be displayed on a tag securely attached to a small means of containment (this does not apply to radioactive materials).

Label specifications

Labels must be displayed square-on-point.

Each side of a label must be at least 100 mm in length with a line running 5 mm inside the edge.

Except for dangerous goods included in Class 7, Radioactive Materials, if this size label, together with the shipping name, technical name, and UN number, cannot be displayed because the small means of containment has an irregular shape or size, each side of the label may be reduced in length by the same amount to the point where the label, together with the shipping name, technical name, and UN number, will fit.

The label cannot be reduced to less than 30 mm per side and must be reduced proportionally.