Non Hazardous Sign

Dangerous Goods Signs – Non Hazardous Sign

Non Hazardous Sign –

• Purpose: Indicates a non-dangerous goods load or a decontaminated/clean vehicle or container.

• Not a substitute for DG placards: If a consignment is hazardous, you must display the correct class placards/labels instead.

• Materials:

  • Laminated vinyl (self-adhesive) for smooth surfaces.

  • 3 mm ACM panel for rigid, long-life mounting.

  • Magnetic placard for temporary or hire fleets (clean steel only).

• Sizes (edge-to-edge across flats): 250 mm standard; 300 / 400 / 500 mm for higher visibility.

• Mounting: Self-adhesive, pre-drilled panel, or magnetic.

• Made in NZ with UV-laminated graphics for solvent wipe-resistance and outdoor durability.

Size note: Diamond sizes are measured edge-to-edge across flats (the NZ transport convention), not corner-to-corner.

When this Non Hazardous Sign helps

• Clean / empty vehicles returning from DG deliveries (after removal of DG placards).

• Non-DG consignments where yards need quick visual sorting at the gate.

• Containers, swap-bodies, or bins that have been washed and declared free of residues.

• Hire and contract fleets needing temporary “non-DG” identification between runs (use magnetic).

Always remove this sign and apply the correct placards before carrying any dangerous goods again.

FAQs

Q1: Is a Non Hazardous sign required by law?
There’s no specific placard requirement for non-DG loads. Many operators use this sign as an operational aid in depots and on fleet vehicles so teams can instantly identify clean/empty status. If you’re carting DGs, you must use the correct class placards instead.

Q2: Can this sign replace paperwork?
No. It’s a visual aid only. It doesn’t replace transport documents, SDSs, or site procedures. If a load becomes hazardous, display the right DG signage and carry the required paperwork.

Q3: Sticker, panel, or magnetic — which should I choose?

• Sticker: Lowest profile for smooth truck doors, boxes, or containers.

• ACM panel: Rigid, long-life option; good for gates, yards, and permanent mounting.

• Magnetic: Best for temporary identification on steel bodies — ideal for hire fleets and vehicles that swap between DG and non-DG work.

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 Class 9 black/white diamond 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.