Using QR codes on product labels can revolutionize the way we communicate handling information for hazardous materials and potentially save lives.
As everyone needing to have MSDS (material safety data sheet) knows, it is hard to provide the information on the MSDS in times of emergencies. Although labels contain some of the information on an MSDS, it cannot contain all the information an MSDS will have.
So how do Chemical Companies, Pharmaceutical companies and anyone else needing to make their MSDS available can make them more accessible?
The simplest solution is to add a QR code to the product label. The QR Code can contain a URL (website address) of the MSDS of the product. Most current mobile phones can read this code with their camera.
What is a QR Code?
A QR Code is a two-dimensional (2d) bar code created by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994. The "QR" is derived from "Quick Response", as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed. Just as the name suggests, adding the QR code to a product label can help the first responders at a time of emergency get all the information they need quickly.
Overview of QR code
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader software can scan the image of the QR Code causing the phone's browser to launch and redirect to the programmed URL. The software required for reading the QR code is readily available from Google, Microsoft, Nokia and iPhone among others.
Many existing label design programs have the capabilities to create these codes. The codes can also be created free of charge on several websites.
Most industrial printers currently in use are capable of printing these codes as well. Although the drawing above has some color in it a QR code does not need to be printed in color in order to work.
This particular QR code was created using NiceLabel and printed to PDF file. You can see if your own phone can read this barcode by printing this page and trying to scan it using your cell phone camera.
To get the software go to Mobile-Barcodes website http://bit.ly/9Sg8sz . They offer a full list of QR readers and all the phones that are compatible with each application. The applications are free and easy to use.
Using QR codes on product labels can revolutionize the way we can communicate handling information for hazardous materials and potentially save lives.
