PICTORIAL MARKINGS FOR PACKAGING

Prepared by Ian Lumsden N.Dip.M

Pictorial Markings

Pictorial Markings is the Picture Oriented Language which represents the message or instructions for handling the goods during transport while exporting/ importing.

Pictorial markings are the indicators of the probable hazards involved during transit.

This is an international language of communication between package and everybody in products life cycle.

Significance

Significance of pictorial markings: Useful in conveying consigner's intention Informs any operator about the required handling Informs about the contents Facilitate the easy and rapid recognition of the

probable hazards

Superiority Over Text

Superior over text forms: Markings in text format in particular language may

create confusion due to language problem Types of labels:

Metal plates Tags Specifications of pictorial markings (for general markings)

Minimum 10 cms x 10 cms

Handle with CareApplication: Packages containing fragile items like glass, ceramics etc. Examples: Packages of TV setsCamerasMachineries with glass parts etc

Use No Hooks

Application: for packages which are to be

handled with the help of metallic hooks (Hessian bags, woven HDPE sacks etc.)

Examples: Packages of fruits & vegetables Cement Sugar Chemicals Fertilizers etc.

Keep Away From Heat

Application: for packages which may get

affected by UV rays or heat. Examples:

Packages of pharmaceuticals, many food products and the packages containing products with low melting point (chocolates).

Center Of Gravity

Application: for most of the

engineering packages containing heavy products.

Examples: many types of

machineries and spare parts.

Keep Dry

Application: for packages and also

the products which may get affected by water.

Examples: Packages for explosives

Crackers Hygroscopic products

match boxes Electronic items and

many food products.

Perishable Goods

Application: For packages used for

products which may get crushed during transit due to load stacked on it.

Examples: Packages containing

fish, vegetables & flowers.

Do Not Role

Application: For packages used for

liquid or fragile items. Examples:

Packages containing glass wares, and many liquid products where there is chance of leakage.

Do Not Drop

Application: for packages containing

fragile or impact sensitive products.

Examples: Packages containing electronic

items, explosives etc.

Maximum Allowable Load

Application: For indicating the

maximum staking load during stacking.

Examples: Mostly all packages.

Allowable Temperature

Application: For indicating the range of

temperature in which the product is to be stored or transported.

Examples: Packages for milk products and

many perishable products.

Clamp This Way

Application: For indicating the area

where the package is to be clamped for handling.

Examples: Packages for engineering

items and many fragile items.

This Side Up

Application: For indicating top side of the

package during storage and transportation to avoid leakage and damage to the product.

Examples: Mostly all packages

Do Not Stack

Application: For bulk stacking with week

sided packages

Examples: Mostly all packages, with

fragile contents

Conclusion

Although the majority of pictorial signs were covered there are many more.

There are also a number of hazard signs that may be used.

There may be a number of signs used in conjunction with each other.

Operators should familiarise themselves with the different signs to ensure the safety of the load, their own safety and the safety of others.