Step-by-Step Guide to Hazchem Signage Compliance

Your Introduction to Hazchem Safety

Hazchem signage is a critical safety requirement for Australian workplaces that handle, store, or transport dangerous goods. These specialised signs communicate essential hazard information to workers and emergency responders, helping to prevent accidents and ensure a swift, appropriate response during an emergency.

Quick Reference: Essential Hazchem Signage Requirements

• Outer Warning Signs: Required at vehicle entrances to premises storing dangerous goods above threshold quantities.
• Bulk Storage Placards: Must display the UN number, HAZCHEM code, proper shipping name, and hazard class diamonds.
• Emergency Information Panels (EIPs): Required on transport vehicles, displaying specific details and emergency contacts.
• Composite Signs: Needed at building entrances and storage areas containing various dangerous goods.
• Compliance Standards: All signage must meet the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code and model WHS Regulations.

The consequences of non-compliance extend beyond fines. Without correct hazchem signage, emergency services may struggle to respond effectively, workers face increased risks, and businesses are exposed to significant legal liability.

Understanding hazchem requirements can seem complex, with different rules for storage types, quantities, and transport. Every detail matters, from the size of an outer warning placard to the specific placement of signs on a vehicle. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about meeting Australian hazchem signage requirements, from understanding the information displayed to choosing the right signs for your workplace.

Understanding Australian Hazchem Signage Requirements

In Australia, hazchem signage is more than a compliance task—it's a vital communication system for anyone dealing with hazardous materials. These signs provide critical information to workers, transport operators, and emergency responders when it matters most.

What Information Do Hazchem Signs Display?

An Emergency Information Panel (EIP), commonly known as a hazchem signage panel, displays a collection of vital information for emergency responders.

• The HAZCHEM code is an alphanumeric code that tells emergency services what extinguishing agent to use, what personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed, and if an evacuation may be necessary. For example, petrol's '3YE' code indicates foam is best, breathing apparatus is required, and evacuation should be considered.
• The UN Number is a four-digit number that provides a universal identifier for a hazardous substance. UN 1203, for instance, always means petrol, whether in Sydney or Stockholm.
• The Proper Shipping Name is the official technical name from the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code, ensuring clear and unambiguous identification.
• The distinctive diamond-shaped class diamonds offer instant visual recognition of the primary hazard. A red diamond with a flame signals a flammable liquid (Class 3), while a skull and crossbones warns of toxic substances (Class 6.1).
• Subsidiary risk diamonds are used when a material poses more than one risk, ensuring all potential dangers are communicated.
• Emergency contacts provide a direct line to specialists who can offer expert advice during an incident.

Understanding these symbols becomes much easier when you know what to look for. For a comprehensive breakdown of hazard symbols, our guide Know Your Hazard Symbols: A Guide to Chemical Signage covers everything you need to know.

Key Differences: Placards vs. General Safety Signs

While both are about safety, hazchem signage (placards) and general safety signs serve different purposes and audiences.

Placards are specialist signs required for hazardous chemicals stored or transported above certain quantities. Their primary role is to give detailed, actionable information to emergency services during an incident. They use class diamonds, UN numbers, and HAZCHEM codes to provide a complete emergency response briefing. The technical requirements for placards, such as size and colour, are strictly defined by standards like the ADG Code to ensure visibility and readability in emergencies.

General safety signs, on the other hand, are for workers and visitors. They provide general warnings or instructions for everyday workplace risks, such as "Danger: High Voltage" or "Caution: Wet Floor". While vital for daily safety, they lack the detailed emergency information found on placards.

The key distinction is the audience and detail. Placards provide technical data for emergency responders, while safety signs communicate general hazards to everyone on site.

Crucially, the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) pictograms used on product labels cannot be used for placarding in Australia. Placarding must strictly follow the format and class labels specified in the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code. This is a non-negotiable compliance requirement.

Placarding Requirements for Different Storage Types

The hazchem signage requirements adapt to different storage scenarios, including bulk storage, packaged goods, and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs).

• Bulk storage (tanks, vats) requires placarding if quantities exceed certain thresholds. These placards must clearly show the proper shipping name, UN Number, HAZCHEM Code, and all relevant class/subsidiary risk labels, with lettering and symbols large enough to be read from a distance.
• Packaged goods and IBCs require placards at the entrances to storage areas, using compliant class labels to identify the hazards within.
• Certain flammable liquids (like diesel or kerosene) have specific placarding rules depending on how they are stored. For example, they may require a flammable liquid (Class 3) label when stored with other flammables.
• Goods Too Dangerous To Be Transported (GTDTBT) are substances so unstable they cannot be transported but may be stored. Placards for these show the goods' name, but the UN Number and HAZCHEM Code fields are left blank. Instead, labels like "Unstable Goods" and "Too dangerous to transport" are used.

Getting the right placard for your storage type is essential for providing accurate information to emergency responders. This is closely linked to safe storage practices, as incompatible chemicals stored together can increase risks. Learn more in our guide: Why You Need a Chemical Compatibility Chart for Safe Chemical Storage.

The Role of the ADG Code and WHS Regulations in hazchem signage

The regulatory framework for hazchem signage in Australia is built on two key documents: the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code and the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations.

• The model WHS Regulations establish the legal requirement for placarding. They define the specific quantities of hazardous chemicals that trigger the need for signs. If your workplace stores chemicals above these thresholds, you are legally obligated to display the correct placards.
• The Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code provides the technical specifications for these placards. It dictates the exact form, dimensions, and class labels, ensuring a consistent and universally understood system across Australia's transport and emergency services. You can access the full code here: Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code.

A business owner or manager has a legal duty to identify hazardous chemicals, assess risks, and implement control measures like hazchem signage. They must ensure signs are correctly displayed, legible, and up-to-date. Compliance is not just about avoiding fines; it's about protecting lives, the environment, and business continuity.

Safe Work Australia offers practical guidance for businesses on their placarding obligations: Information on placarding from Safe Work Australia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with your hazchem signage

Even safety-conscious businesses can make simple mistakes with hazchem signage. Here are the most common errors to avoid:

• Incorrect placement: Signs must be clearly visible. Outer warning placards should be at all potential emergency service entrances, not just the main one. Don't place signs behind equipment, on doors that cover them, or too high to be read.
• Outdated information: Placards must always reflect the current chemical inventory. As your stock changes, update your signage immediately to avoid providing incorrect information to emergency responders.
• Obscured signs: Dirt, grime, overgrown plants, or parked vehicles can block signs. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep signs visible and effective.
• Using GHS pictograms for placarding: This is a frequent error. GHS pictograms are for container labels only. Placarding on vehicles and bulk storage must use the class labels specified by the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code.
• Ignoring threshold quantities: Many businesses are unaware of the "placard threshold quantities" in the model WHS Regulations. If you exceed these limits, placarding becomes mandatory. Regularly check your inventory against these thresholds.

Avoiding these mistakes requires a proactive approach to safety management. Ensure your hazchem signage is accurate, visible, and compliant as an ongoing part of your safety culture.

Ensure Your Workplace is Compliant and Safe

Correct hazchem signage is fundamental to creating a safe and compliant workplace. The effectiveness of your signage comes down to choosing quality products and placing them correctly.

How to Choose and Place Your Signs for Maximum Effectiveness

To ensure your hazchem signage communicates critical information effectively, consider these key factors:

• Visibility: Signs must be seen and read quickly. This means choosing the right size and ensuring clear sight lines. Outer warning placards must be readable from a distance, while bulk storage signs need to be unobstructed.
• Durability: Australian conditions demand robust materials. Our signs use high-quality aluminium composite panels with a 5-year outdoor laminate to resist fading and damage, ensuring long-term compliance and legibility.
• Location: Correct placement is non-negotiable. Outer warning placards go at all vehicle entrances. Bulk storage signs are placed on or next to the container. Packaged goods require placards at storage area entrances. For vehicles, three signs are required (front, back, and one side) for clear visibility.
• Material: The right material depends on the application. We offer rigid panels for permanent installations, self-adhesive vinyl for containers, and flexible magnetic signs for transport operators who carry different loads.

Quality hazchem signage is an investment in safety and compliance. At Pinnacle Signage, our products are designed to meet Australian standards and withstand local conditions, giving you confidence that they will perform when needed.

Ready to equip your workplace? Get Your Hazchem Signs Online Today through our simple online ordering system for delivery anywhere in Australia.

With the right products in the right places, you can create a safer workplace and meet all your compliance obligations. Browse our full range of compliant Hazchem Signage to find the perfect solution for your needs.

We manufacture everything in Australia, ensuring better quality control, faster delivery, and support from a team that understands local workplace requirements. Whether you need standard placards or custom solutions, we can help you get it right.