Biological Substance Hazchem Sign

Hazardous Chemical Sign – Biological Substance Hazchem Sign

Prevent accidents involving biological substances or dangerous goods with our ‘Biological Substance 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 –

Who uses these

• Laboratories, research and diagnostic facilities

• Hospitals and medical logistics providers

• Universities and biotech manufacturers

• Warehouses, depots and transport hubs storing biological substances

• Emergency responders and safety contractors

Where they work (and don’t)

Works best on: clean, dry, flat, non-porous surfaces (walls, doors, smooth cladding, sealed substrates, ACM panel).
Avoid / prep required for: rough timber, dusty concrete, flaking paint, silicone or low-energy plastics, heavy ‘orange-peel’ powder-coat. Degrease and fully dry before application.

Features: Fix the ‘Biological Substance Hazchem Sign’ to freezers and waste containers protect people from exposure to disease-causing organisms and toxic chemicals. Secondly, the ‘Biological Substance Hazchem Sign’ alert people that they are entering biological hazardous areas and should follow specific procedures. Thirdly, and most importantly, these signs help fire brigade to determine the course of action if there’s an accident.

Compliance notes

This Biological Substance Hazchem Sign style supports duties under the HSW (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017, EPA signage code requirements, and the general emergency information outcomes aligned with NZS 5433 (transport) where applicable to site signage. Always follow your SDS and site emergency plan for exact wording/codes (e.g., HAZCHEM code and UN number specific to your substance).

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

Biological hazards fall under Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious Substances, which includes medical and lab materials. Learn more about how these fit into the wider DG system in our Dangerous Goods Classes 1–9 Guide.

If you’re working with biological materials in bulk or transit, you may also need an EIP sign. Check our Emergency Information Panel Signs Explained post to see what emergency info must be displayed.

Not sure what size works best for lab doors or quarantine rooms? Our Hazard Sign Size & Material Guide makes it easy to choose the right option for readability and compliance.

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

FAQs

Q1: What information must appear on a Biological Substance Hazchem sign?
The orange HAZCHEM panel should display the HAZCHEM code, the UN number, and the proper shipping name/descriptor as per your SDS and emergency plan. That way responders can choose the right control measures quickly.

Q2: What size should I choose for a lab door vs an outdoor tank?
Use the viewing-distance guide: 450×337 mm works for most doorways (≈10 m). For yards or fence lines, 600×450 mm (≈15 m) or 900×675 mm (≈20 m) is safer so vehicles can read it on approach.

Q3: Can I wipe these signs with disinfectant or solvents?
Yes—our signs are laminated for better wipe-down resistance. Avoid harsh solvents like MEK/acetone; use standard disinfectants or detergent solutions.

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

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 Biological Substance Hazchem Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the Biological Substance 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: From 300mm up to 600mm (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 signs 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.