Sodium Hypochlorite Danger Sign

Sodium Hypochlorite Danger Sign

Prevent accidents involving highly hazardous chemicals like sodium hypochlorite with our Sodium Hypochlorite Danger 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 Sodium Hypochlorite Danger Sign warns people of the bulk storage of dangerous goods like sodium hypochlorite 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.

Compliance Note:
This is a Danger sign used onsite to warn of Sodium Hypochlorite risks under NZS/AS 1319:1994. It is different from a Hazchem sign, which is used for bulk transport and storage compliance under HSNO/UN regulations. Both formats are required for different purposes, and this Danger sign ensures workers and visitors are alerted to immediate hazards in the workplace.

FAQs

1. Why do I need a Sodium Hypochlorite Danger Sign?
This sign is required under NZS/AS 1319:1994 to clearly warn of life-threatening chemical hazards. It helps protect staff, contractors, and visitors from accidental exposure.

2. Where should this sign be displayed?
Place it at entry points, on storage areas, near chemical dosing units, or wherever sodium hypochlorite is handled. This ensures maximum visibility and compliance.

3. Why is this a Danger sign and not a Hazchem panel?
Hazchem panels are for transport and storage compliance under HSNO/UN codes, whereas this sign is a Danger category workplace safety sign under NZS/AS 1319:1994. It directly communicates immediate chemical hazards to people onsite.

The Danger Sodium Hypochlorite sign is ideal for workplaces where this corrosive chemical is used but transport regulations don’t apply — such as cleaning supply rooms, dairies, and pool maintenance areas.
Learn how this differs from HAZCHEM signage in Understanding HAZCHEM Signs in New Zealand & Australia.

Sodium Hypochlorite (commonly known as bleach) is a Class 8 Corrosive Substance, capable of causing chemical burns and releasing chlorine gas when mixed with acids. Read how Class 8 fits into the DG system in Understanding Dangerous Goods Classes 1–9.

For indoor or partially covered storage areas, durable laminated vinyl or PVC is recommended.
Check out How to Choose the Right Size and Material for Your Hazard Signs for full sizing and mounting tips.

Using bleach? Too much of it and your shed’ll smell cleaner than your conscience!
Pair this one with our Hydrochloric Acid Danger Sign — just don’t store them side by side, unless you’re keen on a chlorine cloud!

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 Sodium Hypochlorite Danger Sign

Flexible, vehicle-grade magnetic placards with the Sodium Hypochlorite Danger 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.