HAZCHEM 2XE Multi-storage Sign

Hazardous Chemical Sign – HAZCHEM 2XE Multi-storage Sign

The HAZCHEM 2XE Multi-storage Sign serves several important functions in areas where multiple hazardous chemicals are stored. This sign provides crucial information about safety protocols, emergency response measures, and the specific hazards posed by the materials present. Here’s its purpose in detail:

1. Identifying Hazardous Materials in Multi-Storage Areas

• The HAZCHEM code “2XE” is used to identify that multiple hazardous chemicals are stored in the area, and the code provides general guidance on handling emergencies.
• The “E” suffix indicates that there is a danger of a violent chemical reaction or explosion. This signals that the stored substances may be particularly reactive or dangerous when combined with fire or water, requiring specialized handling.

2. Emergency Response Information

• HAZCHEM Code “2XE”:
  • “2” indicates that in case of a fire or chemical spill, fog or fine water spray should be used to cool containers and control the situation, but direct water streams should be avoided.
  • “X” denotes that water should not be used in case of a spill since the chemicals involved may react dangerously with water, producing toxic fumes or causing violent reactions.
  • “E” warns of the potential for an explosion or violent reaction, requiring extreme caution during emergency response, including using protective equipment and evacuating personnel if necessary.

3. Ensuring Safe Storage and Handling

• In multi-storage facilities, where different hazardous chemicals are stored together, it’s critical to follow strict safety protocols. This sign serves as a reminder for workers to:
  • Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing.
  • Ensure that chemicals are stored in accordance with their specific compatibility and reactivity guidelines, to prevent unintended reactions between substances.
  • Follow proper handling procedures for each type of chemical to avoid spills, leaks, or accidental mixing.

4. Preventing Health and Safety Risks

• Chemicals stored in multi-storage facilities often pose a range of risks, such as toxicity, flammability, and corrosivity. The sign ensures that workers are aware of the potential hazards and take appropriate precautions to prevent exposure, including avoiding direct contact, inhalation, or accidental mixing of substances.
• It also reduces the risk of fire or explosion by clearly indicating which firefighting methods are appropriate (fog/spray) and which should be avoided (direct water use).

5. Regulatory Compliance

• The HAZCHEM multi-storage sign ensures that facilities comply with local, national, and international regulations concerning the storage and handling of hazardous chemicals. Proper signage is essential for meeting health, safety, and environmental standards, which can help avoid legal penalties and ensure a safer working environment.

6. Aiding in Emergency Situations

• In the event of an emergency, such as a spill, fire, or chemical reaction, the 2XE HAZCHEM code provides critical information to emergency responders:
  • It tells them that water should be used carefully (fog only) and that there is a risk of explosion or violent reaction.
  • The sign also helps responders understand the nature of the materials stored and what precautions are necessary to manage the situation safely and effectively, such as using breathing apparatus or evacuating nearby areas.

7. Environmental Protection

• Certain hazardous chemicals in multi-storage areas may cause significant environmental harm if spilled. The “X” in the code warns that water cannot be used to dilute or clean up spills, as it may worsen the situation. This helps prevent contamination of local water sources and soil by ensuring proper containment procedures are followed.

Overall Purpose

• The “HAZCHEM 2XE Multi-Storage” sign is crucial for identifying areas with hazardous chemical storage, ensuring safe handling and emergency procedures, and providing essential information for emergency responders.
• It helps protect workers from chemical exposure, ensures regulatory compliance, and minimizes the risk of accidents such as fire, explosion, or environmental contamination.

The 2XE HAZCHEM code means the site contains multiple corrosive or reactive substances, where dry agent firefighting is preferred and evacuation is recommended in severe incidents.
Find out how this emergency response code applies to mixed-chemical environments in Understanding HAZCHEM Signs in New Zealand & Australia.

Multi-storage areas often hold Class 3, 6, and 8 substances — such as flammable, toxic, and corrosive materials — which must be clearly identified under NZS 5433. Learn how to correctly classify and label your site in Understanding Dangerous Goods Classes 1–9.

The 2XE Multi-Storage Sign is commonly displayed on compound gates, tank rooms, and facility entry points, where long-distance visibility is key.
For guidance on size and substrate durability, read How to Choose the Right Size and Material for Your Hazard Signs.

FAQs

Q1: Why do I need a 2XE Multi-storage HAZCHEM sign?
This sign is required where multiple hazardous substances are stored, providing clear “2XE” emergency response information for first responders. It helps meet HSNO regulations and ensures quick, accurate action in the event of an incident.

Q2: Where should this sign be displayed?
It should be installed at site entrances, storage facilities, and key access points where mixed hazardous goods are kept. This ensures emergency crews and staff can immediately identify the nature of the risks and the required response.

Q3: What does 2XE mean?
The “2XE” code refers to emergency response details under the Hazchem system. The “2” indicates the type of extinguishing media required, “X” signals possible violent reactions with water, and “E” means full evacuation may be necessary.

Got a cocktail of chemicals on site? Better safe than sizzling!
Back up this sign with our Chemical Storage Area Sign so visitors know exactly what they’re walking into.

How to choose the right mounting options.

Corflute: short-term 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 to most surfaces.

Magnetic mounting option for the HAZCHEM 2XE Multi-storage Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the HAZCHEM 2XE Multi-storage 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)

• 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 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

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.