FEATURE HAZARDOUS AREAS & ATEX EQUIPMENT DURABLE LABELS


for hazardous applications A


Durable labels can prevent problems caused by using standard labels that are not designed for industrial applications, says Avery


lthough standard labels are more than sufficient for routine applications like


filing, addressing envelopes, and shipping boxes, they are not designed to withstand the range of conditions and hazards found in harsh industrial settings. Yet despite the availability of more


durable offerings, many continue to use office-grade, “paper” labels for everything from warehouse racks and equipment to identifying chemical containers. This is often due to familiarity with such products from business settings, and perhaps an incomplete understanding of the significant differences in substrates, adhesives and other technologies used to design labels for specific applications. Fortunately, film labels are available that


are engineered to withstand harsh industrial environments. Some are even tested and certified to meet existing safety and regulatory requirements. These self-adhesive labels can be utilised for everything from barcoded asset tags on machinery to location IDs on parts bins and affixed to a variety of surfaces found in industrial settings such as metal, wood (pallets), glass, plastic and ceramic. Although standard paper labels and


industrial film labels appear similar at a glance, a huge amount of R&D and testing goes into creating each product so that it works for its intended application. Because of this, it is much more cost effective to use the right label from the start.


“There are significant differences


between office labels and industrial film labels, including the materials and adhesives used,” says Tina Huff, a group product manager at Avery. “For the best results, they should work with a trusted supplier that tests labels for their intended uses and provides specifications for resistance to water, chemicals, abrasion, UV, as well as service temperatures on request.” According to Huff, most self-adhesive


labels are constructed of four key layers: a topcoat, substrate, adhesive and liner. Since standard paper office labels are intended for an indoor environment, the topcoat is not waterproof, and the paper substrate tears easily and is not moisture or chemical resistant. In contrast, film labels can have a


protective topcoat that is waterproof, even extremely chemical resistant in some instances. The substrate is a durable, scuff and tear-resistant film that can be made from materials like polyester and vinyl. The adhesive is high performance permanent that is also waterproof and chemical resistant. While the topcoat, substrate and adhesive can vary for an industrial label, each adds a level of strength to the entire label construction. To ensure products will perform


properly in the field, companies such as Avery scientifically test and evaluate how the labels stand up to a host of


potential situations found in industrial environments. These tests run the gamut, and can include exposing labels to a variety of common industrial chemicals such as isopropanol, and hydrochloric acid, as well as with cleaners, fuels, oils, lubricants and salt water. In addition to increasing the durability of


the label topcoat and substrate, additional innovations in label design and construction can improve performance further. Avery, for example, offers labels with technology which ensures that if a new label with TrueBlock technology is placed over another label that has any printed information, the old information does not bleed through which could create confusion, cause incorrect bar code scans or simply make it difficult to read. Another innovation, Self-Laminating


Labels, offer true lamination that can be easily applied by the user. These labels provide extra protection against abrasion, dirt, moisture, chemicals and UV. Global Harmonised System (GHS)


labels represent another improvement in label durability that can be critical to achieving compliance with new government regulations. GHS labels, which are regulated by OSHA


and established by the United Nations to create a unified system for identifying and communicating hazardous chemicals, are required on chemical containers, including smaller containers used in down packing. These industrial labels are compatible


with laser or inkjet printers. Users can print in full colour using a printer they have on hand, without having to purchase a specialised and costly thermal transfer printer, plus multiple colours of ribbons. Armed with a better understanding


of industrial labels, safety managers can now avoid the pitfalls of using office- grade paper labels in such harsh settings.


Avery www.avery.com


GAS IMAGING CAMERA FOR ATEX ZONE 2 LOCATIONS


FLIR Systems’ GFx320 Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) camera combines innovative technology with the assurance of third-party certification for use inside ATEX Zone 2 (Class I, Div. II) hazardous locations. With new stricter global standards for methane emissions, there is a


growing need for faster, safer, and more reliable methods to locate and repair hydrocarbon leaks across the oil and natural industry. FLIR Systems has addressed that need with its intrinsically safe GFx320. The camera meets sensitivity standards such as those defined in US EPA's new OOOOa methane rule. Beneficially, it also automatically tags files with the GPS data often required for regulatory reporting. Independent testing of the GFx320 to demonstrate compliance with the


EPA’s NSPS 40 CFR part 60, subpart OOOOa sensitivity standard for optical gas imaging equipment was performed by the UK National Physical Laboratory (NPL). In these tests, the NPL confirmed that the FLIR GFx320 optical gas imaging camera is capable of imaging a gas that is half


methane/half propane at a concentration of 10,000ppm at a flow rate of less than or equal to 60g/hr from a quarter inch diameter orifice. The GFx320 optical gas


imaging camera is capable of imaging a wide array of gas compounds, but was specifically designed to see the following hydrocarbons: methane, benzene, propane, butane, ethane, ethanol, ethylbenzene, ethylene, heptane, hexane, isoprene, MEK, methanol, MIBK, octane, pentane, propylene, toluene, xylene and 1-pentene.


FLIR Systems www.flir.co.uk


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SUMMER 2017 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE


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