Diesel Hazchem Sign

Diesel Hazchem Sign (3Y 1202) – Hazardous Chemical Sign

Diesel Hazchem Sign (3Y • UN 1202) – clearly identifies the bulk storage of diesel fuel (Class 3 flammable liquid, UN 1202) and communicates the HAZCHEM emergency action code 3Y to responders and site staff. Required on tanks and storage areas where diesel is held above the HSNO/HSW trigger quantities, and best practice for decanting areas, bowsers and depots.

What the code means

• UN Number: 1202 (Diesel fuel)

• Hazchem code: 3Y → Foam for fire, may be violently reactive; breathing apparatus; substances dangerous to the environment (summary only—responders always follow their own guidance).

Where it’s typically used

• Tank farms, bowsers and refuelling bays

• Vehicle maintenance yards & workshops

• Transport depots and warehouses storing packaged diesel

• Temporary bulk tanks on construction or agricultural sites

Compliance notes

This product is designed to help you meet NZ requirements for identifying bulk diesel storage. Always confirm the sign size, placement and any additional on-site notices against your risk assessment and local rules/CoPs. If you’re unsure, sing out and we’ll help you pick the correct combination.

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

Need a matching Emergency Information Panel for your diesel tanks? Read our Emergency Information Panel Signs Explained post to see what details need to be displayed.

Not sure which size fits your site entrance or fuel tank best? Our Hazard Sign Size & Material Guide makes it easy to pick the right setup for visibility and compliance.

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

FAQs

Q1: What does “3Y 1202” mean on a diesel Hazchem sign?
A: 1202 is the UN number for diesel fuel. 3Y is the Hazchem emergency action code that guides first responders (foam media, breathing apparatus, environmental precautions, etc.).

Q2: What size should I choose?
A: As a rule of thumb: 600×450 mm suits most eye-level tank bays (≈15 m line-of-sight). Use 450×337 mm for tight indoor areas (≈10 m) and 800×600 / 1200×900 mm where viewing distance or glare is higher.

Q3: Can I use magnetic Hazchem panels on bulk tanks?
A: Yes—only on flat steel surfaces and typically for temporary or removable setups. For permanent installations, pick a rigid ACM/PVC panel or a laminated label on a prepared substrate.

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

How to choose the right mounting options for the Diesel Hazchem Sign.

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 for the Diesel Hazchem Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the Diesel 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)

• 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).

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.