Emergency Information Panel (EIP) Signs Explained – What to Include and Where to Use Them
🧱 What is an Emergency Information Panel (EIP)?
An Emergency Information Panel (EIP) is a detailed hazard communication sign that identifies dangerous goods, their UN number, HAZCHEM code, and emergency contact information.
These signs are essential on bulk storage tanks, transport vehicles, and hazardous goods depots under HSNO and Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 (Rule 45001/1).
They allow emergency responders to instantly identify:
The chemical or substance involved
The correct firefighting method
Protective gear required
Whether evacuation is necessary
Who to contact for specialist advice
⚙️ What an EIP Sign Must Include
Every compliant EIP sign should display:
| Field | Description / Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Substance Name | The exact chemical name or generic class | “Sulphuric Acid” |
| UN Number | Four-digit identification number | UN 1830 |
| HAZCHEM Code | Emergency Action Code | 2P |
| Specialist Advice | 24-hour emergency contact or CHEMCALL number | “CHEMCALL 0800 243 622” or company-specific hotline |
| Proper Shipping Name | Where required by NZTA transport rules | “CORROSIVE LIQUID, ACIDIC, INORGANIC, N.O.S.” |
| Additional Hazard Pictograms | Optional GHS icons for quick recognition | Corrosive, Flammable, Toxic symbols |
💡 Note: For New Zealand sites, CHEMCALL is still an approved emergency advisory number under NZS 5433:2020, though many organisations now use their own 24-hour contacts for traceability.
If you wish to use 0800 CHEMCALL, please note that this service is operated by Responsible Care NZ and permission/approval must be obtained directly from them prior to use.
📍 Where to Use EIP Signs
EIP signs must be displayed:
On bulk storage tanks and fuel depots
At hazardous substance storage areas (Class 3–8 substances)
On transport tankers or trucks carrying dangerous goods
At entry gates to hazardous locations
Each sign must be clearly visible and readable from a safe distance, with sizes chosen according to the viewing range:
Standard Sizes & Viewing Distance Guide
300 × 225 mm – Close-range / supplementary use (≈ ≤ 5 m, not suitable for 10 m)
450 × 337 mm – Minimum size for ~10 m viewing
600 × 450 mm – Recommended for general use (10 – 15 m)
900 × 600 mm – Yard / gate mounting (15 – 20 m)
1200 × 800 mm – Roadside / long-distance visibility (25 – 30 m)
All signs are laminated for UV and chemical resistance and available as:
Self-adhesive vinyl sticker, PVC, Corflute, Magnetic panel, or ACM sheet.
🧩 Example EIP Products
| Product Name | UN Number | HAZCHEM Code | Internal Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sulphuric Acid EIP Sign | UN 1830 | 2P | View Product |
| Hydrochloric Acid EIP Sign | UN 1789 | 2R | View Product |
| Nitric Acid EIP Sign | UN 2031 | 2X | View Product |
| Sodium Hydroxide Solution EIP Sign | UN 1824 | 2R | View Product |
| Chlorine EIP Sign | UN 1017 | 2XE | View Product |
| Hydrogen Peroxide EIP Sign | UN 2014 | 2WE | View Product |
| Ethanol EIP Sign | UN 1170 | 2YE | View Product |
| Tars Liquid EIP Sign | UN 1999 | 2WE | View Product |
| Petroleum Distillate Gas EIP Sign | UN 1268 | 3YE | View Product |
🧯 Customising the “Specialist Advice” Panel
The Specialist Advice field can include:
CHEMCALL 0800 243 622 Note: Approval must be obtained directly from them prior to use.
Company emergency line (e.g. “ABC Fuel Ltd – 0800 742 743”)
Site manager contact if 24-hour coverage is available
💬 Tip: Always ensure the number listed is monitored 24/7 — if inspectors find it unmanned, your site can be deemed non-compliant under Regulation 17.3 of the HSNO Emergency Management Regulations.
📘 Compliance Standards
Your EIP signs must comply with:
NZS 5433:2020 – Transport of Dangerous Goods on Land
AS/NZS 1319:1994 – Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment
WorkSafe NZ – Emergency Management Regulations
HSNO Act 1996 / EPA NZ Guidelines
💡 Related Articles
⚖️ External References
💬 Note
An Emergency Information Panel isn’t just a compliance requirement — it’s the first thing emergency responders look for when things go wrong.
At Hazard Signs NZ, we manufacture every EIP sign locally, ensuring it meets NZ/AU standards, is fully laminated, and ready for long-term outdoor use.
Need your company name or 24-hour number added? Contact us today — we’ll customise it to keep your site compliant and your team safe.