Multiple Hazards HAZCHEM Sign

Multiple Hazards HAZCHEM Sign

The purpose of a multiple hazards HAZCHEM sign is to provide clear and immediate information about the types of hazards present in a specific area or with specific materials. This helps ensure the safety of workers and emergency responders by enabling them to quickly assess risks, take appropriate precautions, and respond effectively in case of an incident. It ultimately aids in preventing accidents and minimizing exposure to harmful substances.

A Multiple Hazards HAZCHEM sign typically features:

1. Color Coding: Different colors represent different types of hazards (e.g., red for flammable, blue for health risks).
2. Symbols: Standardized icons indicate specific hazards, such as toxicity or corrosiveness.
3. Numbers and Letters: The HAZCHEM code (like “3YE”) provides unique identification for the chemical, detailing its risks and appropriate responses.
4. Instructions: Often, these signs include handling and emergency response guidelines, helping to ensure safe practices.
5. Compliance: They assist organisations in meeting legal safety requirements, contributing to overall workplace safety culture.

Understanding these components enhances safety awareness and response capabilities in hazardous environments.

FAQs

1️⃣ Why do I need a Multiple Hazards HAZCHEM Sign?
Because many workplaces handle more than one hazardous substance at a time — and New Zealand’s Dangerous Goods regulations require all relevant hazards to be displayed together. This single panel keeps your site compliant and ensures emergency crews can respond correctly.

2️⃣ Where should it be used?

• At depots or workshops storing multiple chemical classes

• On bulk transport tankers carrying combined loads (e.g. diesel + corrosive agents)

• In manufacturing or maintenance areas handling fuels, solvents, and cleaning chemicals

3️⃣ What does it comply with?

• NZS 5433 – Transport of Dangerous Goods on Land

• AS/NZS 1319 – Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment

• WorkSafe NZ and EPA Dangerous Goods Codes

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 Multiple Hazards HAZCHEM Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the Multiple Hazards HAZCHEM 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.