Exclamation Mark Sign – GHS Irritant / Harmful

Exclamation Mark Sign is used to warn about an immediate skin and eye irritant, narcotic effects, respiratory tract irritant and acute toxicity. The ‘Exclamation Mark Sign’ is often used in electronics, engineering, and construction industries to warn the workers of skin diseases while in contact with certain dangerous goods.

Exclamation Mark Sign What it means
The Exclamation Mark Sign is the GHS/HSNO symbol for irritant/harmful hazards. Typical uses include acute toxicity (Category 4), skin/eye irritation, skin sensitiser, specific target organ toxicity (single exposure) – narcotic effects, and respiratory tract irritation.

Where to use it

• Chemical stores, decanting benches and lab areas

• Cupboards, cages and internal doors to rooms handling irritants/harmful substances

• Package/container labelling when the exclamation pictogram is required

Not for transport placarding
This is a workplace GHS symbol. For road/rail transport, use the relevant Class 6 (Toxic) or other class-specific placards in line with NZS 5433.

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, 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.

FAQs

Q1: What hazards does the Exclamation Mark Sign cover?
It flags irritant/harmful effects such as acute toxicity (Cat. 4), skin/eye irritation, skin sensitisation, narcotic effects, and respiratory tract irritation. Check your SDS to confirm the required pictograms.

Q2: Can I use this for trucks or freight units?
No. It’s a GHS workplace symbol. For transport, use the correct Class 6 Toxic or other hazard class placards to comply with NZS 5433.

Q3: What size should I choose?
Use 50–100 mm for containers and small packages. Choose 250 mm for doors, stores and rooms—go larger (400–800 mm) where long-distance visibility is needed. Magnetic 250 mm suits temporary or vehicle use.

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

Check out our: Complete Guide to Dangerous Goods Placards (NZ & AU)

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

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the Exclamation Mark 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/red 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.