Dangerous Goods Store HAZCHEM Sign

Hazardous Chemical Sign – Dangerous Goods Store HAZCHEM Sign

Prevent accidents involving highly hazardous flammable/corrosive and ecotoxic materials with our Dangerous Goods Store HAZCHEM Sign. Hazchem signs are required by New Zealand Law to be essentially displayed on any workplace, container or vehicle that stores certain chemical substances over a certain quantity.  The objective is to provide –

• Clear, concise, vital information including the type of hazard,
• What to do in an emergency,
• Protection and precautionary measures.

The Dangerous Goods Store HAZCHEM Sign warns people of the bulk storage of dangerous goods that can be flammable, corrosive and ecotoxic as determined in the HSNO-approved code of practice. Secondly, and most importantly, these signs help the fire brigade to determine the course of action if there’s an accident.

How This Differs from Substance-Specific Hazchem Signs

Dangerous Goods Store HAZCHEM signs are general-purpose warnings, used where multiple types of hazardous substances may be stored together. They differ from substance-specific Hazchem signs (such as Diesel UN 1202 or LPG UN 1075) which display the exact UN number, Hazchem code, and hazard class for a particular chemical.

• General Store Sign → Alerts staff and emergency responders that hazardous goods are present, but does not specify which ones.

• Substance-Specific Sign → Provides detailed information about one chemical (e.g., flammable liquid, corrosive, toxic), allowing responders to follow precise handling and firefighting procedures.

By using the correct combination — general signage for stores/compounds and specific Hazchem signs for individual tanks, drums, or transport units — you’ll stay compliant and make emergency response faster and safer.

Why this sign includes “3YE”
This Dangerous Goods Store HAZCHEM Sign carries the 3YE emergency code because it is often used for storage areas where Class 3 Flammable Liquids (such as petrol, diesel, or similar solvents) are the main hazard type. The 3YE code tells emergency services:

• 3 → Use foam as the primary fire extinguishing medium.

• Y → Full protective clothing including breathing apparatus is required.

• E → Evacuation may be necessary in a major incident.

While some Dangerous Goods Store signs leave the Hazchem panel blank (so the site-specific code can be added), this version provides the 3YE reference directly for sites that regularly store flammable liquids.

Why This Sign Matters

Unlike single-substance Hazchem panels (e.g., Diesel, Petrol, LPG), this is a general store marker.

• It’s designed for multi-chemical storage rooms and compounds.

• Mandatory where mixed classes or bulk storage of hazardous substances occur.

• Provides instant awareness to first responders about general risks, even if they don’t yet know the specific UN codes.

FAQs

1. Why do I need a Dangerous Goods Store HAZCHEM sign?
It’s required to identify areas where hazardous substances are stored, reducing risk to staff, visitors, and emergency responders. Without it, you may not comply with NZ/AU DG regulations.

2. Where should this sign be used?
At the entrance to chemical storage rooms, outdoor DG compounds, or warehouse sections where flammable, corrosive, or toxic substances are kept.

3. What makes this sign different from other Hazchem signs?
Other Hazchem signs are substance-specific (e.g., Diesel UN 1202). This one is general-purpose, suitable for sites where multiple hazardous goods are stored together.

The Dangerous Goods Store HAZCHEM Sign clearly identifies areas where regulated hazardous substances are kept.
The 3YE code on this sign indicates to emergency services that the area contains flammable liquids, requiring foam fire suppression and evacuation precautions. Learn more about what HAZCHEM codes mean in Understanding HAZCHEM Signs in New Zealand & Australia.

A Dangerous Goods (DG) store can contain substances from multiple classes, including flammable, toxic, corrosive, and oxidising materials.
Review the nine DG classes and their required signage in Understanding Dangerous Goods Classes 1–9

Sites storing bulk fuels or chemicals may also need an Emergency Information Panel (EIP) at entry points, displaying UN numbers and emergency contacts. Find out what to include on an EIP in Emergency Information Panel Signs Explained.

Running a DG store? Good on ya — but make sure the fire brigade knows what’s inside before you light the barbie!
Pair this with our HAZCHEM 3YE Petrol Sign if you’re storing flammables too.

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 Dangerous Goods Store HAZCHEM Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the Dangerous Goods Store 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.