HAZCHEM Bitumen Sign

Hazardous Chemical Sign – HAZCHEM Bitumen Sign

The purpose of using a HAZCHEM Bitumen 2Y UN No. 3257 sign is to ensure safety, legal compliance, and effective emergency response when transporting or storing bitumen (UN 3257, Elevated Temperature Liquid, N.O.S.). The HAZCHEM code 2Y indicates that in case of an emergency, fine water spray (Code 2) should be used to control fire, and breathing apparatus (Code Y) is required for protection.

This sign is critical for:

• Emergency Response Readiness – Helps firefighters and emergency personnel take appropriate action in case of a spill, fire, or accident.
• Workplace & Public Safety – Alerts workers, transporters, and bystanders to the potential hazards of heated bitumen.
• Legal Compliance – Meets WorkSafe NZ, ADR, and HAZCHEM regulations for hazardous material transport and storage.
• Environmental Protection – Ensures proper spill response to prevent contamination of land and waterways.
• Clear Hazard Identification – Displays UN No. 3257, which specifically classifies the substance as bitumen or elevated temperature liquid, helping authorities and handlers manage it safely.

Purpose

• Identify the presence of flammable bitumen.

• Help emergency responders know which extinguishing media to use (foam, dry powder).

• Meet New Zealand compliance standards for transporting and storing Class 3 flammable liquids.

Example Scenario

A roading contractor uses this sign on the entrance gate to the asphalt plant and on all bitumen tankers to ensure emergency services can act quickly in case of fire.

FAQs

Q1: Why do I need a HAZCHEM Bitumen sign?
Because bitumen is a Class 3 flammable liquid and must be clearly identified to comply with HSNO and NZS 5433 regulations.

Q2: Where should I install this sign?
Install near bitumen storage tanks, drum racks, or on tankers transporting bitumen to ensure correct identification during handling or emergencies.

Q3: Can I get this sign customised with my company name?
Yes — we can add your company name, logo, or contact information for full site identification.

The HAZCHEM Bitumen Sign identifies heated, flammable materials such as road-grade bitumen, which can emit flammable vapours when hot. Learn how HAZCHEM codes and symbols help first responders identify heat, fire, and chemical risks in Understanding HAZCHEM Signs in New Zealand & Australia.

Bitumen is generally classed under Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances, though hot or cut-back forms can fall into Class 3 – Flammable Liquids. See how these categories are defined in Understanding Dangerous Goods Classes 1–9.

When bitumen is stored or transported in heated form, you may need an Emergency Information Panel (EIP) displaying the correct UN number and hazard details. Visit Emergency Information Panel Signs Explained for guidance on compliance and layout under NZS 5433.

Got bitumen gear that heats up faster than a tradie’s lunch in summer? You’ll want our HAZCHEM Hot Cut Back Bitumen Sign too — because “a little warm” doesn’t quite cover it when things start bubbling.

How to choose the right mounting options for the HAZCHEM Bitumen Sign.

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 Bitumen Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the HAZCHEM Bitumen 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

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 sign’s 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.