Warning Hazardous Area Hazchem Sign

Hazardous Chemical Sign – Warning Hazardous Area Hazchem Sign

Prevent accidents involving highly hazardous chemicals/liquids with our Warning Hazardous Area Hazchem Sign.

Warning Hazardous Area Hazchem Sign

Our Warning Hazardous Area Hazchem Signs are designed to control access to areas where hazardous materials are stored or processed. They warn unauthorised visitors to stay out and instruct authorised personnel to report before entering.

Purpose

• Prevent unauthorised access to hazardous areas.

• Protect staff, visitors, and contractors from exposure to hazardous substances.

• Help site owners meet HSNO and NZS/AS 1319:1994 compliance requirements.

Example Scenario

For example: A Warning Hazardous Area sign should be installed at the entrance to a chemical mixing room, pesticide shed, or processing area where hazardous materials are handled, ensuring visitors do not accidentally walk into a restricted zone.

Need a better understanding of Hazchem signs, check out our: Understanding HAZCHEM Signs in New Zealand & Australia

If your hazardous area includes tanks or bulk chemical drums, you’ll also need to display an Emergency Information Panel (EIP). Check our Emergency Information Panel Signs Explained blog to ensure you meet NZS 5433 and WorkSafe NZ requirements for clear, compliant signage.

Got one of those “enter if you dare” work sites? You’ll want to back it up with the real thing — add a No Smoking 2YE Agrichemicals HAZCHEM Sign to keep the crew (and your insurance rep) happy.

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

Mounting Options

• Self-Adhesive Vinyl: Weatherproof and laminated for long life.

• PVC Sheet (2 mm): Rigid and durable for permanent installations.

• ACM Panel (4 mm): Strong, lightweight, and ideal for outdoor mounting.

• Corflute: Perfect for short-term or temporary use.

• Magnetic: Great for steel doors, temporary barriers, or mobile setups.

Where to Use

• Entrances to hazardous areas and chemical sheds.

• Processing rooms or mixing zones.

• Depots, warehouses, and work areas with restricted access.

Compliance

All signs meet NZS/AS 1319:1994 for visibility and clarity and are printed with high-contrast colours for maximum impact.

Need to add a site-specific message or phone number? Customisation is available for a $25 design fee – just contact us and we’ll prepare a proof for approval.

FAQs

Q1: Why do I need this Warning Hazardous Area Hazchem Sign?
You need this sign to comply with workplace safety procedures and HSNO regulations. It ensures only authorised personnel enter areas containing hazardous materials.

Q2: Where should this sign be used?
Place at every entrance to a hazardous area, processing room, or chemical storage zone. It should be visible from the approach to the area.

Q3: Can I add my phone number or site name?
Yes! We can customise this sign with a phone number, company name, or additional wording. A $25 design fee applies for customisation.

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 Warning Hazardous Area Hazchem Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the Warning Hazardous Area 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)

• 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 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

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.