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Note: The labels and marks required for the transport of dangerous goods can be found in the applicable dangerous goods transport regulations and are not included in this Code.

1            Introduction

1.1          Packages are  are often marked with handling instructions in the language of the country of origin. While this may safeguard the consignment to some extent, it is of little value for goods consigned to, or through, countries using different languages, and of no value at all if people handling the packages are illiterate.

1.2          Pictorial symbols offer the best possibility of conveying the consignor’s intention consignor's intention and their adoption will, therefore, undoubtedly reduce loss and damage through incorrect handling.

1.3          The use of pictorial symbols does not provide any guarantee of satisfactory handling; proper protective packaging is therefore of primary importance.

1.4          The symbols shown in this annex are those most regularly exhibited. These and others are shown in ISO standard 780[1].

2            Symbols

2.1          Display of symbols

2.1.1       Symbols should preferably be stencilled directly on the package or may appear on a label. It is recommended that the symbols be painted, printed or otherwise reproduced as specified in this ISO standard. They need not be framed by border lines.

2.1.2       The graphical design of each symbol should have only one meaning; symbols are purposely designed so that they can also be stencilled without changing the graphics.

2.2          Colour of symbols

2.2.1       The colour used for symbols should be black. If the colour of the package is such that the black symbol would not show clearly, a panel of a suitable contrasting colour, preferably white, should be provided as a background.

2.2.2       Care should be taken to avoid the use of colours which could result in confusion with the labelling of dangerous goods. The use of red, orange or yellow should be avoided unless regional or national regulations require such use.

2.3          Size of symbols

              For normal purposes the overall height of the symbols should be 100 mm, 150 mm or 200 mm. The size or shape of the package may, however, necessitate use of larger or smaller sizes for the symbols.

2.4          Positioning of symbols

              Particular attention should be paid to the correct application of the symbols, as faulty application may lead to misinterpretation. Symbols No. 7 and No. 16 should be applied in their correct respective positions and in appropriate respective places in order to convey the meaning clearly and fully.

3            Handling instructions

              Handling instructions should be indicated on transport packages by using the corresponding symbols given in the following table.

 

No.	Instruction/Information	Symbol	Meaning	Special Instructions
1	FRAGILE		Contents of the package are fragile therefore should be handled with care.	Shown near the left hand upper corner on all four upright sides of the package.
2	USE NO HAND HOOKS		Hooks should not be used for handling packages
3	THIS WAY UP		Indicates correct orientation of the package	Shown as symbol No. 1. Where both symbols are required, symbol No. 3 will appear nearer to the corner
4	KEEP AWAY FROM SUNLIGHT		Package should not be exposed to sunlight.
5	PROTECT FROM RADIOACTIVE SOURCES		Contents of the package may deteriorate or may be rendered totally unusable by penetrating radiation
6	KEEP AWAY FROM RAIN		Package should be kept away from rain and dry
7	CENTRE OF GRAVITY		Indicates the centre of gravity of the package	Where possible, “Centre of gravity” should be placed on all six sides but at least on the four lateral sides relating to the actual location of the centre of gravity
8	DO NOT ROLL		Package should not be rolled
9	DO NOT USE HAND TRUCK HERE		Hand trucks should not be placed on this side when handling
10	USE NO FORKS		Package should not be handled by forklift trucks
11	CLAMP AS INDICATED		Clamps should be placed on the sides indicated for handling	The symbol should be positioned on two opposite faces of the package so that it is in the visual range of the clamp truck operator when approaching to carry out operation. The symbol should not be marked on those faces of the package intended to be gripped by the clamps.
12	DO NOT CLAMP AS INDICATED		Package should not be handled by clamps on the sides indicated
13	STACKING LIMITED BY MASS		Indicates the maximum stacking load permitted.
14	STACKING LIMITED BY NUMBER		Maximum number of identical packages that may be stacked above, where “n” is the limiting number.
15	DO NOT STACK		Stacking the package is not permitted and nothing should be placed on top.
16	SLING HERE		Slings for lifting should be placed where indicated	Should be placed on at least two opposite faces of the package
17	TEMPERATURE LIMITS		Indicates the temperature limit within which the package should be stored and handled.