An extensive range of printers from OKI Systems UK Ltd have just been awarded the BS5609 (section 3) standard after laboratory testing by the Smithers Print Industry Research Association (PIRA). This builds on OKI’s existing BS5609-compliant portfolio for the UK market.
“This standard is essential for the chemical industry to ensure that labels meet European directives and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) laws in time for a Globally Harmonised System (GHS). This becomes mandatory worldwide in July 2015 for labels on all chemical preparations and mixtures as well as pure chemicals,” explains Dave Willcox, business development manager, Oki Systems UK.
“This compliance further strengthens OKI’s position as a leading supplier chemical industry,” he adds.
GHS requires chemical label symbols (called pictograms) to be printed enclosed in a red diamond shape. This means that all current monochrome labelling systems will need to be upgraded to full colour. OKI offers an end-to-end warranted solution including media and hardware.
The printers that have recently passed tests for BS5609 certificates are the, C931, ES9431, ES9541, C9655, ES3640a3, ES3640e and ES3640Pro. These join the C610, C711, ES6410 and ES7411.
“Although there is over six months to go before the deadline, those producing and exporting chemicals need to reassess printing and software requirements and integrate with mainstream business systems, where necessary. With everyone within the industry trying to do the same thing at the same time, some run the risk of failing to comply in time,” says Willcox.