Labelling PCBs

Under the PCB Regulations, labels must be affixed, if feasible, in a readily visible location:

• to any piece of equipment, or container of product containing PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in a concentration of 50 mg/kg or more
• no later than 30 days after the day on which the PCBs in the equipment or liquid ceases to be used

Specifications

Labels must:

• measure at least 150 mm by 150 mm or at least 76 mm by 76 mm in the case of capacitors
• state in a black font size of 36 points or greater and on a white background: “ATTENTION Contains 50 mg/kg or more of PCBs / contient 50 mg/kg ou plus de BPC” (see Figure 1)

Figure 1: Labelling and notice requirements (not to scale)

Exceptions

The labelling specifications outlined above do not apply to equipment or containers already bearing a label on September 5, 2008 indicating the presence of PCBs. An additional label is not required for such equipment or containers.

Containers for small equipment

If it is not feasible for a label to be affixed to equipment because the equipment is too small, then the owner of the equipment must, if the equipment is stored, affix the label in a readily visible location on the container in which the equipment is stored, matching the specifications above (see Figure 1).

Equipment with extension

Equipment containing PCBs for which an extension has been applied for must bear a label as specified above that also includes: "Unique Identification Number / Numéro d’identification unique” (see Figure 2). 

Figure 2: Labelling requirements for equipment and containers with extension (not to scale)

A facility other than a transfer site or destruction facility

Any product containing PCBs that is stored at a storage site (excluding authorized transfer sites or destruction facilities) shall bear a label as specified above that also includes: "Date of Commencement of Storage / Date de début de stockage" (see Figure 3). 

Figure 3: Labelling requirements for products in storage (not to scale)

Note: The “Date of Commencement of Storage / Date de début de stockage” statement should also be added to products or containers already bearing a label on September 5, 2008 indicating the presence of PCBs. 

Transfer sites or destruction facilities

Any container that is a fixed tank and that is used for the storage of PCBs or products containing PCBs at a transfer site or a destruction facility shall bear a label (see Figure 1).

Specifications for all storage sites

Notices shall be placed in a readily visible location at the entrance of storage sites. Notice specifications should match the specifications outlined above, measuring at least 150 mm by 150 mm (see Figure 1).

For more information about PCB storage sites, please see the “PCB storage” factsheet.

Special provisions for cables, pipelines or associated equipment

Cables, pipelines or associated equipment shall have in a readily visible location either:

• a label affixed on an accessible part of the equipment (see Figure 1)
• a notice placed at the entrance of the room, tunnel or facility in which they are located that measures at least 150 mm by 150 mm (see Figure 1)

If part of a cable, pipeline or associated equipment is dismantled, a label shall be affixed on each dismantled part no later than 30 days after the day on which it is dismantled (see Figure 1).

Retention of labels

Labels shall be affixed in accordance to the sections outlined above. All persons handling PCBs or products containing PCBs shall ensure that the product or container bears the label for the entire duration that the person possesses the product or container.

Disclaimer

The guidance contained in this page should be used for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal guidance, since it does not reflect all the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) or the PCB Regulations. Thus, should there be any discrepancy between this factsheet and the Act or the regulations, the Act and the regulations will prevail.