Class 5.1 Oxidiser Hazard Sign

Class 5.1 Oxidiser Hazard Sign

Class 5.1 Oxidiser Hazard Sign – Although an oxidising agent is not inherently combustible in itself, it may usually cause, or lead to, the ignition of other material by yielding oxygen. Halogen, potassium nitrate, and nitric acid are examples of oxidising agents. The oxidising agent sign class 5.1 features a symbol of a flame over a circle above the words oxidising agent accompanied by big, bold numbers 5.1. The ‘Class 5.1 Oxidiser Hazard Sign’ features a yellow backdrop with black text and symbols. Hence, post the oxidising agent sign class 5.1 to aware your workers of possible hazards at the workplace.

Note on 120 mm size: The 120 mm option is not compliant for transport placards, as NZ regulations require a minimum of 250 mm per side for vehicle use. However, it is very useful for small-scale applications such as cylinder cages, storage cabinets, and indoor warning signage where space is limited.

Note on larger sizes (400 mm – 800 mm): While 250 mm is the minimum required size for transport placards, larger signs (400 mm, 600 mm, 800 mm) are recommended for warehouses, depots, bulk storage areas, and outdoor use. The extra size improves long-distance visibility and makes hazards clear to staff, visitors, and emergency responders.

Why are there different versions of Class 5.1 signs?
All three signs represent the same Class 5.1 Dangerous Goods category (oxidising substances), but the wording can vary depending on regulations or usage:

• Oxidiser → The most common wording in NZ and AU. Standard UN Dangerous Goods placard used for general oxidising chemicals.

• Oxidising Agent → Alternative international wording. Same meaning as Oxidiser, often used in overseas shipping or global compliance contexts.

• Oxygen Hazard → Still Class 5.1, but more specific. Commonly used for oxygen gas cylinders, medical oxygen, and aviation supply chains.

👉 In short:

• Oxidiser & Oxidising Agent = general Class 5.1 substances.

• Oxygen Hazard = specific for oxygen transport and storage.

All three are compliant for transport and workplace use under UN Dangerous Goods regulations, NZS/AS 1319:1994, and NZ Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005.

“Not sure if you need Oxidiser, Oxidising Agent, or Oxygen? Check out our guide: Class 5.1 Signs Explained — it’ll clear things up faster than a fresh oxygen tank.”

“Need a sign for oxidisers? Brush up on Class 5 rules in our Dangerous Goods Class Guide — before your chemicals get too reactive.”

Classifications:

Properties of hazardous substances have been classified so to determine the best way the risks can be managed. They have been classified into eight key hazard classes:

•  1: Explosives.
•  2: Flammable gases.
•  3: Flammable liquids.
•  4: Flammable solids.
•  5: Oxidising substances.
•  6: Substances toxic to people.
•  8: Corrosive substances.
•  9: Substances toxic to the environment.

FAQ

1. What does a Class 5.1 Oxidiser Hazard Sign mean?
   It identifies substances that are not necessarily flammable on their own but can release oxygen and make other materials burn more easily.

2. Where should Class 5.1 Oxidiser Hazard Signs be used?
   They must be displayed on vehicles, depots, and storage areas handling oxidising substances such as hydrogen peroxide or ammonium nitrate.

3. What size sign do I need?
   Transport requires a 250 mm minimum size. Smaller 120 mm versions suit cabinets or cylinders, while larger 400–800 mm signs are ideal for warehouses and outdoor use.

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 5.1 Oxidiser Hazard Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the Class 5.1 Oxidiser Hazard 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 orange with black wording and symbol.

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.