HAZCHEM Chemical Storage Area Sign

HAZCHEM Chemical Storage Area Sign

The HAZCHEM Chemical Storage Area Sign is used to clearly mark locations where hazardous chemicals are stored. This sign plays a vital role in safety management by providing information and ensuring that proper procedures are followed in and around these areas. Below are the primary purposes and uses of this sign:

1. Indicating the Presence of Hazardous Chemicals

• The sign is used to alert workers, visitors, and emergency responders that they are entering or are near an area where hazardous chemicals are stored. This includes chemicals that may be flammable, corrosive, toxic, reactive, or environmentally hazardous.
• It ensures that individuals are aware of the potential dangers and take appropriate precautions when in the vicinity of these storage areas.

2. Reinforcing Safety Protocols

• Hazardous Chemical Storage Areas require strict safety protocols to prevent accidents such as spills, leaks, fires, or chemical reactions. The sign serves as a reminder to workers to:
  • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, goggles, and protective clothing when entering the area.
  • Follow proper procedures for handling, transporting, and storing chemicals to avoid accidents.
  • Ensure that chemicals are segregated and stored according to their specific safety and compatibility guidelines to prevent unintended reactions.

3. Facilitating Emergency Preparedness

• In case of an emergency, such as a spill or fire, the HAZCHEM Chemical Storage Area Sign provides vital information for first responders:
  • It indicates that they are dealing with hazardous chemicals and that special firefighting, containment, or neutralization methods may be required.
  • HAZCHEM signs often include HAZCHEM codes, which provide additional information on how to manage fires, spills, or leaks involving specific chemicals (such as whether water can be used or if breathing apparatus is required).
  • The sign helps responders quickly assess the risks and implement appropriate emergency measures, such as evacuating personnel or using specific firefighting techniques.

4. Preventing Unauthorized Access

• The sign serves as a warning to unauthorized personnel to stay out of the chemical storage area, reducing the risk of accidental exposure, theft, or tampering with hazardous materials.
• By marking the storage area clearly, it helps ensure that only trained and authorized personnel who understand the risks and safety procedures can enter and handle the chemicals.

5. Ensuring Compliance with Regulations

• The HAZCHEM Chemical Storage Area Sign helps facilities comply with local, national, and international regulations concerning the storage and labeling of hazardous substances.
• Proper signage is often a legal requirement in industries that handle chemicals, such as manufacturing, laboratories, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Failure to provide adequate warnings and information can result in fines or legal consequences.
• This sign is essential for meeting health, safety, and environmental standards, protecting the organization from liability.
• “Our Chemical Storage Sign NZ is designed to meet HSNO and WorkSafe requirements, making it easy to identify hazardous storage areas in warehouses, yards, and chemical stores.”

6. Enhancing Workplace Safety

• Chemical storage areas present a variety of risks, including chemical spills, vapor releases, and explosions. The sign helps ensure that workers are aware of these hazards and follow safety measures, such as keeping the area well-ventilated and avoiding open flames or smoking near flammable chemicals.
• The sign also encourages workers to practice good housekeeping, such as ensuring that storage containers are properly sealed and that emergency equipment (such as fire extinguishers or spill kits) is easily accessible.

7. Protecting the Environment

• Many hazardous chemicals stored in such areas can cause severe environmental damage if spilled or released into the atmosphere, water sources, or soil. The sign reminds workers and responders to follow proper containment and disposal procedures to minimize the risk of environmental contamination.
• In case of an accidental release, the sign helps ensure that appropriate measures are taken to contain the chemical and prevent it from spreading into the environment.

Overall Usage

• The HAZCHEM Chemical Storage Area Sign is used to warn individuals about the presence of hazardous chemicals and ensure that proper safety, handling, and emergency procedures are followed.
• It aids in preventing accidents, promoting worker safety, securing compliance with legal regulations, and protecting the environment from contamination.

NOTE:

Unlike single-product Hazchem signs (e.g., Diesel or Sulphuric Acid), this sign is designed for areas where multiple dangerous goods are stored together. It alerts staff and emergency responders to expect a mix of hazardous materials and take precautions accordingly.

The HAZCHEM Chemical Storage Area Sign alerts staff and emergency responders that the site contains regulated substances requiring special handling.
Learn how these codes improve emergency safety in Understanding HAZCHEM Signs in New Zealand & Australia.

This sign is suitable for sites storing a mix of Class 3 (Flammable Liquids), Class 6 (Toxic Substances), and Class 8 (Corrosive Substances).
See how each class is defined under NZS 5433 in Understanding Dangerous Goods Classes 1–9.

Ideal for internal wall mounting or entry gates, this sign comes in ACM, PVC, or laminated vinyl options.
Check out size and viewing distance guidelines in How to Choose the Right Size and Material for Your Hazard Signs.

FAQs

Q1: Why do I need a Chemical Storage Area Sign?
A: It ensures compliance with HSNO and WorkSafe rules by clearly marking hazardous chemical storage zones for staff and emergency responders.

Q2: Where should this sign be installed?
A: At entrances to designated storage rooms, fenced yards, or warehouses where chemicals are held in bulk.

Q3: What makes it different from a standard Hazchem sign?
A: Standard Hazchem signs identify a single chemical and its emergency actions. This sign alerts to general storage of multiple hazardous substances in one area.

Got a storeroom that smells like science class gone wrong? Better label it before someone opens a can of whoopsie!
Team it up with our 2XE Multi-Storage HAZCHEM Sign to cover mixed chemical areas.

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 Chemical Storage Area Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the HAZCHEM Chemical Storage Area 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 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.