Types of Warning Labels and When to Use Them

Safety warnings on packaging are more than just symbols – they are an essential way to protect consumers, workers and the environment. Whether you are shipping glassware across town or exporting chemicals overseas, the correct warning label ensures that everyone along the supply chain understands how to handle the package. In Australia, incorrect labelling can lead to damaged goods, fines or even harm to people or wildlife. Premium Packaging prepared this guide to explain the leading packaging warning labels, what they mean and when they must be used according to current regulations.

Why warning labels matter

• Legal compliance: In Australia, hazardous chemical labels must follow the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of classification and labelling (currently GHS 7). Importers must ensure that chemical labels comply with the GHS and the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, and they may substitute GHS pictograms with Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) class labels when the hazards are equivalent.
• Safety and risk management: Danger, warning and caution labels communicate different levels of risk – from immediate life‑threatening hazards to minor injuries. Handlers know whether they can stack a box, keep it dry or keep it upright, reducing the chance of accidents during storage and transit.
• Consumer protection: Suffocation warnings on poly bags protect infants from accidental asphyxiation. Child‑safety labels warn when small parts pose choking hazards.
• Environmental and sustainability messaging: Recycling symbols show that materials can be recycled or contain recycled content, while Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) marks indicate paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.

1. Risk‑Level Signs: Danger, Warning and Caution

The level of risk determines whether a package requires a Danger, Warning or Caution label. These signs typically feature bold colours and signal words, and they are governed by standards such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z535), which are referenced globally.

Level	Colour/Signal Word	Meaning and when to use	Example packaging uses
Danger	Red header with white text	Indicates an immediate risk of serious injury or death.	High‑voltage panels, confined spaces, machinery entrapment zones, explosives.
Warning	Orange header	Warns of a significant risk of harm or death that is less immediate than “Danger”.	Rotating equipment, hot surfaces, chemical exposure, heavy machinery.
Caution	Yellow header	Advises of potential moderate risk such as slips, trips or minor injuries.	Wet floors, low clearance, pinch points on equipment, minor machinery hazards.

Other specialised warnings include biohazard, electrical hazard, flammable material, compressed gas, laser hazard, high‑temperature and choking‑hazard labels, each tied to specific standards. For example, a biohazard sign must appear on packages containing medical waste or laboratory specimens and is required by the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

2. Handling and Care Symbols

International packing symbols are widely recognised and help carriers and recipients protect goods during transportation. These packaging warning labels provide clear instructions without language barriers. Many are voluntary, but using them correctly enhances safety and customer satisfaction.

Orientation and fragility

• This Side Up: Two arrows pointing upwards show the correct orientation; the package must not be carried sideways or upside‑down.
• Fragile: The word Fragileor a broken glass symbol warns that the contents are delicate and should be handled gently. Glassware, ceramics and electronics often require this label.
• Handle with Care: Hands cupping a box indicate that the package contains intricate parts and should not be stacked.

Environmental conditions

• Keep Dry: An umbrella symbol indicates that the box must be kept away from rain or moisture, as the contents are not waterproof.
• Temperature‑Sensitive: A thermometer symbol shows the temperature range in which the product must be stored.
• Protect from Direct Sunlight: A sun with a slash through it warns that contents are sensitive to light or heat.
• Flammable Materials: A flame symbol alerts handlers that the contents can ignite when exposed to sparks or heat.

Handling instructions

• Do Not Open with Knife: Prevents damaging the contents when opening the box.
• Do Not Place Near Magnets: Used when products may be affected by magnetic fields (e.g., sensitive electronics).
• Maximum Stacking Height: Horizontal bars with a number specify how many similar boxes may be stacked safely.
• Do Not Stack/Do Not Hook/Do Not Lift: Symbols with crossed‑out icons tell handlers not to stack, hook or single‑handedly lift the box due to fragility or weight.
• Centre of Gravity (Scope):Indicates weight distribution to help forklifts lift the load safely.
• Two‑Person Lifting/Trolley Lifting: Suggests that multiple people or a trolley should be used when moving heavy items.

Sustainability symbols

Australian consumers increasingly expect eco‑friendly packaging. Labels like the recycle sign (the familiar triangle) tell customers that the package is recyclable or made from recycled materials. The FSC mark certifies that paper products come from responsibly managed forests. The “tidy man” symbol reminds users to dispose of packaging responsibly, while plastic recycling codes with numbers (1–6) indicate the type of polymer.

3. GHS Hazard Pictograms

For chemicals, Australia follows GHS 7 for classification and labelling. The nine GHS pictograms appear in a red diamond and must be accompanied by signal words, hazard statements and precautionary statements. Only eight are mandatory in Australia (the environmental pictogram is optional).

Pictogram	Meaning & application	When to use
Health Hazard (silhouette)	Indicates chronic health effects such as carcinogenicity, respiratory sensitisation or reproductive toxicity.	Use on packages containing substances that can cause long‑term health damage.
Flame	Flammable materials or substances liable to ignite spontaneously or emit flammable gas.	Flammable liquids, self‑heating substances and chemicals emitting flammable gas.
Exclamation Mark	Immediate skin, eye or respiratory irritants or narcotic effects.	Irritants, skin sensitisers, acute toxicity (low hazard), narcotics.
Gas Cylinder	Gases under pressure.	Cylinders of compressed, liquified or dissolved gases such as ammonia or acetylene.
Corrosion	Substances causing skin corrosion/burns or eye damage, or that corrode metals.	Strong acids and bases; requires corrosion‑resistant packaging.
Exploding Bomb	Explosive or self‑reactive materials.	Used for pyrotechnics, fireworks and self‑reactive chemicals.
Flame Over Circle	Oxidising substances that intensify fires.	Oxygen releasers such as ammonium nitrate or hydrogen peroxide.
Skull and Crossbones	Acute toxicity causing severe poisoning.	Poisons and highly concentrated acids or pesticides.
Environment (optional)	Chemicals toxic to aquatic life.	Used on products that harm water ecosystems (not mandatory under WHS regulations).

4. Dangerous Goods Classes and Transport Labels

The Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code classifies hazardous materials into nine classes, each with its own hazard label. These labels must be clearly visible on the outside of packages and remain affixed during transit. Examples include:

1. Class 1 – Explosives: Items like ammunition, fireworks and detonators require explosive hazard labels.
2. Class 2 – Gases: Compressed, liquified or dissolved gases (butane, oxygen, chlorine) use flame or gas‑cylinder labels. Class 2 is subdivided into flammable, non‑flammable/non‑toxic and toxic gases.
3. Class 3 – Flammable Liquids: Petrol, alcohol, perfumes and paints have flammable liquid labels.
4. Class 4 – Flammable Solids: Substances that can combust spontaneously or emit flammable gases, such as matches or sodium.
5. Class 5 – Oxidising Substances and Organic Peroxides: Oxidisers like ammonium nitrate or organic peroxides that can intensify fires.
6. Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious Substances: Toxic chemicals (chloroform, cyanides) or infectious materials (medical waste) require skull‑and‑crossbones or biohazard labels.
7. Class 7 – Radioactive Materials: Uranium, radioactive isotopes and x‑ray equipment must display radiation warning labels.
8. Class 8 – Corrosives: Acids and corrosive cleaners that can destroy skin or materials.
9. Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods: Hazardous substances not covered by other classes (e.g., lithium batteries) require a black‑and‑white stripes label.

When packing dangerous goods for road or rail, you can replace GHS pictograms with ADG labels if they represent the same hazard. However, do not display both icons for the same hazard on one label.

5. Suffocation Warnings on Poly Bags

Transparent poly bags used to protect clothing or small parts are convenient but can pose a suffocation risk to children. Although there is no federal law in the United States, several states (California, New York, Massachusetts, Virginia and Rhode Island) require suffocation warnings. Generally, any bag with an opening of 5 inches or more and a thickness of 1 mil or less should include a warning stating that the bag is not a toy and must be kept away from babies and children. The font size of the warning increases with the size of the bag. While this requirement is US‑centric, adopting similar warnings in Australia is considered best practice to protect consumers.

6. Product‑Specific Warning Labels

Some products have mandatory warnings dictated by consumer‑protection laws. As a packaging supplier, Premium Packaging should be aware of these requirements and advise clients accordingly.

• Hazardous materials: Packages containing hazardous chemicals, acids or abrasives must follow specific laws and include hazard pictograms and handling instructions.
• Alcohol and tobacco: Alcohol labels must display statutory warnings about age limits, health risks and responsible consumption. Tobacco products must carry health warnings and graphic images under Australian law.
• Prop 65 and regional warnings: Goods sold in certain jurisdictions may require a Proposition 65 warning to inform consumers about exposure to chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.
• Prescription medicines and medical devices: These require clear instructions, dosage information and regulatory warnings, often printed on extended‑content labels to provide sufficient space.
• Child‑safety warnings: Toys and children’s accessories must display warnings about age appropriateness, small parts and safe usage. The U.S. Child Safety Protection Act, for example, specifies text and pictograms for choking hazards. Australian standards also require warnings on button battery compartments and toys.

7. Choosing the Right Warning Labels

Selecting the appropriate label involves understanding the product, the distribution channel and the legal framework:

1. Identify hazards: Conduct a risk assessment to determine whether the product poses physical, chemical, biological or environmental risks. This will dictate whether you need hazard pictograms, transport class labels or simple handling symbols.
2. Consider transit conditions: Fragile items need orientation and fragility labels; liquids may require “This Side Up” and “Keep Dry” icons. Heavy boxes may need two‑person or trolley lifting symbols.
3. Comply with regulations: If you are shipping chemicals in Australia, use GHS 7 pictograms and ensure the label includes the required signal word, hazard statement, precautionary statement and supplier details. For dangerous goods, refer to the ADG Code and include the correct class label.
4. Check destination requirements: Some jurisdictions (e.g., California, New York) have additional labelling laws such as Prop 65 and suffocation warnings. If exporting to multiple countries, ensure your labels meet each region’s standards.
5. Select durable materials: Choose adhesives and substrates that withstand the package’s environment—waterproof labels for chilled goods, UV‑resistant inks for items exposed to sunlight, and tamper‑evident labels for pharmaceuticals.
6. Brand integration: Work with a label printer to design custom warning labels for packaging that integrate your brand colours and logos while maintaining the required symbols and legibility. For example, you can place the GHS pictogram alongside your brand’s icon, but the hazard symbol must remain clear and unaltered.

8. Custom Warning Labels & Packaging Supplies Safety Labels

At Premium Packaging, we specialise in custom warning labels for packaging that balance regulatory compliance and brand aesthetics. Our service includes:

• Material selection: We help clients choose between paper, plastic or synthetic labels depending on durability and budget. For refrigerated goods, we recommend moisture‑resistant labels that won’t smudge or peel.
• Printing technology: We use high‑resolution printing and adhesives suitable for various surfaces, ensuring that the labels remain legible and intact throughout the supply chain.
• Design support: Our designers integrate warning symbols with your brand identity without compromising readability or compliance. We also ensure alt text is provided for images on digital copies to satisfy accessibility guidelines.
• Safety label kits: For businesses shipping dangerous goods, we supply complete kits containing ADG class labels, handling symbols, pallet placards and documentation sleeves, ensuring packages meet transport regulations.

Conclusion

Proper packaging warning labels are a cornerstone of safe, compliant and customer‑friendly logistics. From orientation symbols and environmental warnings to GHS pictograms and suffocation labels, each label serves a specific purpose. As regulations evolve – particularly around chemical hazard communication and environmental sustainability – staying informed is crucial. Premium Packaging can guide you through the maze of standards and provide custom warning labels for packaging that protect your goods, your customers and the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between “Danger”, “Warning” and “Caution” labels?

Danger indicates an immediate risk of severe injury or death and typically uses a red header. Warning denotes a serious hazard that is less immediate but can still cause significant harm; the header is orange. Caution advises of moderate risks such as minor injuries and uses a yellow header.

Do I need to include suffocation warnings on poly bags in Australia?

While Australia does not currently mandate suffocation warnings on plastic packaging, many companies choose to include them because several US states (California, New York, Massachusetts, Virginia and Rhode Island) require such warnings. As a best practice, place a warning on any bag with an opening of 5 inches or more and a thickness of 1 mil or less.

Are GHS pictograms required on consumer product packaging?

GHS pictograms are mandatory on the labels of hazardous chemicals in Australia. Consumer products that are not classified as dangerous under the GHS (e.g., ordinary cosmetics) may not require these symbols. However, if your product contains ingredients that pose chronic or acute hazards, you must include the relevant pictograms along with signal words and hazard statements.

How do I choose the correct handling and orientation labels for my shipment?

Assess the fragility, weight and environmental sensitivity of your product. Use “Fragile”, “This Side Up” or “Handle with Care” symbols for delicate items; “Keep Dry” or “Temperature‑Sensitive” labels for moisture‑ or heat‑sensitive goods; and “Two‑Person Lift” or “Trolley Lift” symbols for heavy packages. Ensure labels are visible and placed near the address panel.

Can I customise warning labels and still meet regulations?

Yes. You can incorporate brand colours or design elements, but the hazard pictograms, signal words and mandatory text must remain clear, legible and unaltered. In Australia, labels for hazardous chemicals must follow GHS 7 standards. For dangerous goods, use the appropriate ADG class labels and ensure they are the correct size. Working with a professional label supplier, such as Premium Packaging, ensures that your custom designs meet regulatory and safety requirements.