Hazchem Sign

Hazardous Chemical Sign – Hazchem Sign

Prevent accidents involving highly flammable and hazardous chemicals with our Hazchem Sign. Hazchem signs are required by New Zealand Law to be essentially displayed on any workplace, container or vehicle that stores certain chemical substances over a certain quantity.  The objective is to provide –

Where this sign is used

• • Facility entrances and main approaches (so emergency crews can see it fast)

  • Chemical stores, decanting bays, labs, workshops, depots

  • Tank farms, refuelling areas, yard gates, perimeter fencing

  • Temporary worksites (use magnetic/adhesive options for vehicles, cabinets)

The Hazchem Sign warns people of the storage of chemicals on site as determined in the HSNO-approved code of practice. Secondly, and most importantly, these signs help the fire brigade to determine the course of action if there’s an accident.

Compliance notes

• Use Hazchem identification where hazardous substances are present in quantities that trigger signage duties under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.

• Place signage at every main entrance and at the immediate location of the hazard so it’s readable from the usual approach.

• Confirm exact wording, placement and size with your SDS and site plan / PCBU.

FAQs

Q1: What’s the difference between a Hazchem Sign and a HAZCHEM code panel?
A Hazchem Sign is a general identification sign for hazardous chemicals on site. A HAZCHEM code panel/EIP carries substance-specific codes (e.g., 3YE, UN number) for tankers or bulk storage. Use both when code information is required.

Q2: Where should I install a Hazchem Sign?
At every main entrance to the workplace/area containing hazardous substances, plus near the actual storage/use location, positioned so it’s readable from the normal approach.

Q3: What size do I need?
Pick a size that matches your viewing distance: 450×337 mm up to ~10 m, 600×450 mm up to ~15 m for most gates, or 800×600 mm+ for vehicle approaches (see guide below).

For more information check out these links

• WorkSafe NZ – Hazardous Substances Management
  👉 WorkSafe NZ – Hazardous substances

• EPA NZ – HSNO Act guidance
  👉 EPA NZ – Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act

• United Nations GHS
  👉 UN – Globally Harmonized System (GHS)  

• Why you need the correct Hazard sign

Ever spotted that “2WE” code and wondered what on earth it means? check out our: Understanding HAZCHEM Signs in New Zealand & Australia

Agrichemicals often fall under Class 6 (Toxic) or Class 8 (Corrosive) depending on the formulation. Check out Understanding Dangerous Goods Classes 1–9 to learn how each class affects transport, storage, and labelling requirements across NZ and Australia.

If you’re storing drums or tanks of agrichemicals, you’ll likely also need a matching Emergency Information Panel (EIP). Our Emergency Information Panel Signs Explained blog shows what info must be displayed and how to keep your site compliant.

Not sure what size your Hazchem 2WE sign should be? Our How to Choose the Right Size and Material for Your Hazard Signs article covers the approved dimensions (300 mm to 1200 mm) and materials for different install locations – from storage containers to farm sheds.

Not sure what the Hazard codes mean, check out our: What HAZCHEM Codes Mean – A Quick Reference Guide for Site Managers

How to choose the right mounting options.

Corflute: short-term term less than 2 years outdoors

Thin PVC: Medium term, more than 2 years

ACM: Long term 5 years or more

Supplied as a sticker:

long-term digital print laminated for long-term use. With a life of 5 years or more. We use a Hi Tac vinyl which allows it to be applied to most surfaces.

Magnetic mounting option for the Hazchem Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the Hazchem Sign printed on premium vinyl, laminated, and mounted to automotive magnetic sheeting. They stick to ferrous steel panels and remove without residue—ideal for vehicles that only carry DG sometimes.

Who they’re for

• Contractors / couriers who transport Dangerous Goods occasionally

• Hire or multi-use vehicles (no permanent signage)

• Sites that swap classes depending on load (quick changeover)

• Size: 250 × 250 mm (meets common road minimums).

• Magnet: vehicle-grade sheet, 0.8–1.0 mm thick (30–40 mil), high-energy.

• Face film: outdoor self-adhesive vinyl + UV laminate (gloss).

• Operating temp: suitable from winter cold to summer heat (typical automotive range).

Where they work (and don’t)

• Works on: painted steel panels that are flat, clean, and smooth.

• Doesn’t work on: aluminium, stainless, plastics, composites, heavy body filler; vinyl wraps, ceramic coatings, heavily textured paint.

• If customers have aluminium doors/ute trays, suggest self-adhesive or rigid ACM instead.

Fitment checklist

1. Clean & dry the panel (no wax/polish).

2. Warm, flat magnet—no curl.

3. Apply to flat steel only; press from centre out.

4. Do not bridge panel gaps, ribs or sharp curves.

5. Remove daily to clean/dry both surfaces; store flat.

6. In heavy rain/highway speeds, check edges haven’t lifted.

Care & maintenance

• Remove and wipe after wet weather; store flat (never rolled tight).

• Move position slightly each week to avoid differential fading.

• Avoid use on freshly resprayed paint (allow full cure).

Compliance note

• Magnet is a mounting method. The operator must ensure placards are the correct class, size, and securely affixed for the journey. Some carriers or site rules may require permanent/rigid placards—check your procedure.

For further information go to the Worksafe website https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/hazardous-substances/managing/hazardous-substances-signs/

NZS/AS 1319:1994 advocates simplicity and clarity in safety signage. To be effective, they should be easy to read and interpret at a glance.

The Standard is about the use of legible text and appropriate, simple symbols.

By simplifying the message, it reduces the risk of misinterpretation, which increases the chances of the sign’s warning or instruction being followed.

Enhancing the sign’s visibility through placement and colour

Placement and visibility will play a crucial role in the efficiency of safety signs.

The standard states that signs must be positioned near the hazard they are warning about, which ensures that the safety message is relevant. Also, it advocates the use of contrasting colours for the background and lettering. This attention to the colour scheme will increase visibility and readability from a reasonable distance, which ensures the message is accessible.

The mission of Hazard Signs NZ is to provide quality-made safety signs to all of New Zealand. Our great prices and convenient online ordering platform make us a preferred supplier to many NZ businesses. All our signs are designed and manufactured in Invercargill to meet the workplace health and safety needs of all businesses and industries in New Zealand.

Please note. We make some of our safety signs to order and it may take 5 to 10 business days to receive. If you require your order urgently, please don’t hesitate to contact us to confirm an estimated delivery date prior to placing your order.

If you are not sure about what sign you need for your business, just contact us at +6432183350 or email us and we will make it ready for you.