Hazchem Sign (Long)

Hazardous Chemical Sign – Hazchem Sign

Prevent accidents involving highly flammable and hazardous chemicals with our Hazchem Sign.

Hazchem Signs are essential for sites involving highly flammable and hazardous chemicals. They are required by New Zealand law to be clearly displayed on workplaces, containers, or vehicles that store or transport certain chemical substances over a specified quantity. The objective is to:

• Warn site staff and emergency crews of the type of hazard,

• Provide crucial information in an emergency,

• Help responders choose the correct firefighting or containment method.

By clearly identifying the chemical hazard type, these signs reduce the risk of mishandling and allow the right response if an incident occurs.

For example:
A Hazchem 3YE sign might be required for diesel storage exceeding 250 L or when transporting flammable liquids in bulk. Having this displayed ensures compliance with HSNO regulations and allows first responders to take the right action if there’s a fire or spill.

Our Hazchem Signs comply with NZS/AS 1319:1994, which advocates simplicity, clarity, and easy visibility at a glance. Placement and sizing follow the recommended viewing distances, so they remain legible from the correct approach distance.

All signs are printed on weather-resistant laminated vinyl with options for PVC sheet, ACM panel, Corflute, or Magnetic to suit your mounting needs.

Need a better understanding of Hazchem signs, check out our: Understanding HAZCHEM Signs in New Zealand & Australia

Not sure what the Hazard codes mean, check out our: What HAZCHEM Codes Mean – A Quick Reference Guide for Site Managers

FAQs

Q1: Why do I need this Hazchem Sign (Long) sign?
You need a Hazchem sign to comply with HSNO regulations and NZS/AS 1319:1994. It ensures emergency responders can quickly identify hazards and take the correct action in case of a spill, fire, or accident.

Q2: Where should this sign be used?
Place this sign at the entrance to chemical storage areas, bulk containers, and transport depots where hazardous substances are stored or handled. It must be clearly visible from approaching vehicles and personnel.

Q3: Can I customise the Hazchem code or size?
Yes! We can change the Hazchem code, wording, or size for a $25 design fee. Just contact us with your requirements and we’ll create a proof before production.

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 Sign (Long)

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the Hazchem Sign (Long) 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)

• Sizes: 450mm x 180mm & 600mmx 240mm.

• 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.