Class 1.1 Explosive Sign

Diamond Shape Hazard Sign – Class 1.1 Explosive Sign

Class 1.1 Explosive Sign – One must caution around Explosive Materials to prevent injury. The symbol in the Hazardous “Class 1.1 Explosive Sign” clearly warns of hazards that may lead to serious injury or accident. Certainly, an explosive material (solid/liquid) is capable of causing damage to the surroundings. Hence, installing a “Class 1.1 Explosive Sign” in a visible place helps in identifying dangerous solids, liquids, or gases. As a result, it helps to keep people, animals, property, and the environment safe from harm.

“Got a bit of bang in your cargo? Check out our Dangerous Goods Class Guide to see how Class 1 stacks up against the others — before things go boom.”

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)

FAQ

1. Why do I need a Class 1.1 Explosives Hazard Sign?
   To comply with NZS 5433 and UN transport rules, explosives hazard signs are mandatory for vehicles and storage areas carrying Class 1 substances.

2. Where should these Class 1.1 Explosive Sign be used?
   They are required on vehicles, transport containers, and storage areas handling Class 1.1 explosives.

3. Are these signs compliant for both NZ and Australia?
   Yes – they meet NZS 5433 and AS 1216 standards for dangerous goods, recognised across NZ and AU.

Recommended Sizes for Explosive Hazard Signs (Class 1.1)

New Zealand & Australia Compliance:
Explosive hazard signs must meet the requirements of NZS 5433 (NZ) and the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code). These standards specify minimum dimensions and legibility distances for diamond-shaped hazard signs.

1. 120 mm × 120 mm

   • For small packages or containers (inner or outer packaging).

   • Typically used for drums, small cartons, or containers where larger signage isn’t practical.

2. 250 mm × 250 mm

   • The most common size for transport packages, including boxes, crates, and medium-sized containers.

   • Required for packages where visibility needs to be maintained from a short distance.

3. 400 mm × 400 mm

   • Standard for vehicles transporting dangerous goods.

   • Must be displayed on the front, back, and both sides of the vehicle.

   • Ensures visibility for other road users and emergency responders.

4. 800 mm × 800 mm

   • Required for large containers or bulk transport units where the surface area and visibility distance demand larger signage.

👉 “Want the full lowdown on explosive hazards? Our guide Explosive Classes Explained (1.1–1.6) covers everything from polite pops to window-rattling booms.”

How to choose the right mounting options.

Corflute: short 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 most surfaces.

Magnetic mounting option for the Class 1.1 Explosive Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the Class 1.1 Explosive 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).

• Print: high-contrast black/white artwork.

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 signs visibility through placement and colour

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

The standard states that the Class 1.1 Explosive Sign 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.