Emergency Information Panel (EIP) Signs Explained

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.

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