Class 7 Fissile Sign

Hazardous Sign – Class 7 Fissile Sign

Class 7 Fissile Sign – used to specify the quantity of radioactive fissile materials if you’re transporting hazardous goods and hazardous chemicals that fall under the class 7 Radioactive classification. Radioactive substances are those that are either likely to cause serious injury or death or damage to human health when ingested, inhaled or in contact with the skin. Examples include arsenic, cyanide, acids, lead compounds and various pesticides. The ‘Class 7 Fissile Sign’ applies to shipping-packages that contain fissile materials where there may be a risk of self-sustaining nuclear chain reactions (criticality).

The ‘Class 7 Fissile Sign’ is a valuable tool to help protect personnel’s health and safety and is not a replacement for the preventive measures needed to minimise or remove hazards. The Class 7 Fissile Sign is used for places where hazardous items are shipped or stored. This hazard sign features the word ‘fissile’ above the horizontal line. The term ‘Criticality Safety index’ inside a rectangular comes below the fissile text. This sign comprises a white background with black wording and lines.

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.

“Glowing cargo? You’ll want to read our Dangerous Goods Class Guide before that next shipment lights up the yard.”

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

Q1: What is a Class 7 Fissile Sign used for?
A Class 7 Fissile Sign is used to mark the transport of fissile radioactive materials, which require extra safety precautions due to the risk of a chain reaction. These signs ensure compliance with NZS 5433, HSNO Act, and international transport regulations.

Q2: Where should a Class 7 Fissile Sign be displayed?
It must be displayed on vehicles, shipping containers, or storage units carrying fissile radioactive substances. The sign alerts workers, emergency responders, and inspectors that the cargo needs controlled handling and monitoring.

Q3: What is the difference between a Radioactive Sign and a Fissile Sign?
A standard Radioactive Sign indicates radioactive material in general, while a Fissile Sign is specifically required for radioactive substances capable of sustaining a chain reaction. Using the correct sign reduces compliance risks and improves workplace safety.

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 7 Fissile Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the Class 7 Fissile 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 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.