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When going global, companies in the chemical industry need to ensure they’re taking steps to ensure clarity and accuracy in their translation projects.
Because of the nature of chemicals, any inaccuracy in their translation can be life-threatening to the people that handle and use them. This need for clear and precise translation makes it imperative for companies to work closely with a trusted translation partner.
Chemical Translation Projects
There are a variety of different documents that manufacturers in the chemical industry need to translate. These include documents, related to productions, sales and use of products that are being sent to regions that speak a different language. Some examples are:
- Patents
- Product Specifications
- Packaging & Labeling
- Toxicology Reports
- Catalogs
- Training Manuals
- Websites
- Legal Contracts
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- Marketing and Corporate Communications
Depending on the locations where the chemicals are to be used, these documents must be translated into a variety of languages.
From global announcements to packing information and terminology management, issues specifically related to the chemical industry are complex.
Terminology Management
Technical terms can be difficult to understand, especially when included in product user manuals or guides. The chemical field, like most other industries, has its own particular jargon.
Only a translator who is educated and experienced in the chemical translation industry will be able to accurately translate complex terminology into understandable terms suited for the intended audience.
In addition to industry-specific knowledge, effective chemical translation services will utilize a terminology management process that ensures consistency in terminology translation. Beyond technical terminology, terminology management extends to product names and even company-specific terminology.
Regulations
The chemical industry is governed by strict regulations that must be followed. These regulations involve the impact of chemicals on human health and on the environment.
Countries around the world, like Canada, China, and countries in the European Union have put chemical regulations in place that shift the responsibility from their governments to chemical manufacturers regarding public disclosure of the safety of chemical products.
This shift, through domestic substances lists, or REACH provisions and regulations (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemical substances), makes it important that details about chemical composition and use are translated properly. Inaccuracies in translation or phrasing can have serious consequences, not only for the distribution of a manufacturer’s product, but also for their potential liabilities.
International Language Services is a top provider of chemical translation services for a variety of industry sectors. You can rely on our ISO-certified quality control processes and linguistic subject matter experts to produce the most accurate and reliable chemical translations. Contact International Language Services to learn more about how we can help with your next chemical translation project.
