OKI Data Americas has announced that its C711 digital color printer, in conjunction with Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels, has been approved for the production of Globally Harmonized System (GHS) hazardous chemical labeling applications. Output from the C711 paired with Avery UltraDuty Labels passes seawater submersion and U.S. Department of Transportation UV resistance requirements for chemical labeling when used with genuine OKI consumables.

The C711 from OKI Data is a device to print GHS labels resulting in robust output in both letter and legal-size. Heavy-duty Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels come in multiple sizes for containers such as drums, pails, jugs and bottles. Benefitting chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors, and employers who use and transport chemicals, this combined solution from OKI and Avery allows companies to create labels on-demand, saving time and cutting costs.

Printed drum and chemical labels must meet the requirements for GHS standards, including resistance to outdoor extreme conditions. As part of this process, the printed labels are tested for weathering, adhesion and abrasion resistance to prove their durability. GHS also requires users to conform to graphic labeling standards that use a pictogram system with precautionary text warnings. In addition to these performance standards, printed hazardous materials labels must be properly formatted.

“OKI Data Americas is pleased to announce that its C711 color printer is the first LED/laser type printer to be successfully tested for Globally Harmonized System (GHS) hazardous chemical labeling applications using Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels,” says Terry Cruikshank, senior marketing manager for OKI Data Americas. “We’re proud to deliver even greater value for our customers in chemical manufacturing and distribution with this turnkey chemical labeling solution.”

The GHS was developed to ensure the safe production, transport, handling, use and disposal of hazardous materials. Its expressed goal is to make the international sale and transportation of hazardous chemicals easier, as well as to make workplace conditions safer for all employees exposed to chemical hazards. The GHS establishes an international list of text and graphics to classify, define and communicate hazards, and provide global uniformity to printed labels and safety data sheets (SDS). As of June 1, 2015 chemical producers in the U.S. are mandated to use GHS labels in accordance with OSHA standards. Chemical distributors have until Dec. 1, 2015, and end-users of chemicals should update workplace labels by June 1, 2016.

“It’s exciting that the C711 from OKI Data is the first LED/laser printer to be fully BS 5609 certified with our new Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels,” notes Colwin Chan, senior product manager for Avery Products. “BS 5609 certification indicates that our UltraDuty GHS labels printed on the C711 from OKI Data can be used for marine shipments and have passed some of the most rigorous durability testing in the industry.”