Hazchem Safety Signs

Warn employees and visitors about dangerous goods with our range of Hazchem signs

If your workplace deals with hazardous chemicals and substances, Hazchem signs are required. Hazchem refers to “hazardous chemicals” and Hazchem signs must be displayed on storage containers and vehicles to indicate the presence of these hazardous chemicals.

This warning plate system has been adopted across Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, so you can easily identify and communicate how hazardous substances should be stored, handled and transported. Hazchem signs are globally recognised as the correct classification and labelling method and should be displayed where the dangerous substances are kept as well as at the entrance of the building.

At Safety Signs Australia, we manufacture high-quality Hazchem signs that comply with the Australian Standard AS 1216. Hazchem signs are almost always displayed in a diamond with a black border with imagery and text describing the hazard — browse through our collection and check out online to improve the safety of your workplace today.

How do I read Hazchem signs?

Hazchem codes are standardised codes that provide the critical information you need to know about the hazardous substance you’re storing or transporting. It is an alphanumeric code that transcends the language barriers, ensuring hazards are easily recognised worldwide.

Class 1 — Explosives — This includes items like Ammunition, Fireworks, Flares and Detonators. These signs are recognisable by the orange background, black wording, exploding bomb symbol and the number “1”.
Class 2 — Gasses — This includes gasses/chemicals like Acetylene, Natural Gas, Liquified Petroleum Gas, Chlorine, Anhydrous Ammonia, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide, Oxygen, Compressed Air, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide. These signs come in a number of colours and designs based on the nature of the hazard.
Class 3 — Flammable Liquids — This includes liquids/chemicals like Turpentine, Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene. These signs are recognisable by a red background with black wording, a flame symbol and the number “3”.
Class 4 — Other Flammable Substances — This includes flammable elements like Aluminium Phosphide, Sodium, Zinc Particles, Aluminium Alkyls, White Phosphorus, Cerium, Lutetium and Neodymium. These signs come in a number of colours and designs based on the nature of the hazard.
Class 5 — Oxidising Substances & Organic Peroxides — This includes chemicals like Calcium Hypochlorite (pool chlorine), Sodium Nitrate, Hydrogen Peroxide (bleach), Benzoyl Peroxide (plastics) and Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide. These signs are recognised by a yellow background with black wording, a symbol and the number “5.1” or “5.2”.
Class 6 — Toxic & Infectious Substances — This includes chemicals like Formaldehyde, Cyanide and Chloroform. These signs are recognised by a white background, black wording, a representative skull and crossbones and the number “6”.
Class 7 — Radioactive Materials — These signs will also have “I”, “II” or “III” on them indicating the radiation level (III being the highest).
Class 8 — Corrosive Substances — This includes chemicals like Nitric Acid, Mercury and Sodium Hydroxide. These signs are white and black with a corrosive pictogram and the number “8”.
Class 9 — Miscellaneous & Environmentally Hazardous Substances — This includes chemicals like Lithium, Sulfur and Asbestos, and genetically modified, altered or unnaturally occurring microorganisms.

Our range of dangerous goods signs

We design and print dangerous goods signs for a wide range of workplaces and scenarios, ensuring all workers, visitors and pedestrians steer clear of hazardous chemicals and substances where possible.

As you can see, we have Hazchem signs to cover all hazardous situations and substances in your workplace. Browse through our collection and check out online for fast and free shipping over $100.

Custom Hazchem signs

Can’t find the right Hazchem sign? Get in touch with the team from Safety Signs Australia — we offer a custom signage service to ensure you get the signs you really need. Simply contact us on 1300 220 536 or via info@safetysignsaus.com.au and let us know your design requirements, how many signs you need and your preferred material. We will also ask you to send through reference imagery.

We will print your high-quality signs in our workshop in the Hunter Valley of NSW and ship them directly to your workplace/door. You can expect to receive your custom Hazchem signs within five to seven days from your original order.

Our sign materials

Our dangerous goods signs are available in four durable materials: Colorbond Steel, aluminium, hi-impact poly and decal.

Colorbond Steel — Colorbond is a highly efficient material for dangerous goods safety signs. Using a Zincalume steel base and a baked-on finish that resists chipping, peeling and cracking in all kinds of weather conditions, Colorbond Steel is ideal for outdoor workplaces and work sites.
Hi-impact poly — This is a plastic material with a glasslike texture and is often used to manufacture indoor signs. It has excellent impact resistance and moderate stiffness.
Aluminium — Aluminium is a versatile metal that’s both lightweight and flexible while also being corrosion-resistant and reflective. Aluminium signs are often used in outdoor settings.
Decal — Vinyl stickers and decals are extremely weather-resistant, especially in conditions with high humidity and moisture. It’s durable, affordable and prints in bright colours, making them unmissable in the workplace. These can be printed as stickers or signs.

If you are unsure what material is best for your workplace, please contact our team on 1300 220 536. We can provide expert recommendations and advice to ensure your signs go the distance.

FAQs about our dangerous goods safety signs

Are Hazchem signs a legal requirement?

Yes. Under the Australian Standard AS 1216, you are required to display Hazchem signs on storage containers and vehicles that contain hazardous chemicals or substances. They should also be displayed in a highly-visible spot near the front entrance of your site to ensure visitors are informed. It can also help emergency services respond to injuries and emergencies on-site.

Do all hazardous chemicals need to be labelled?

Yes. All hazardous chemicals must be labelled with specified elements including pictograms, signal words and hazard/precautionary statements.

Shop Hazchem signs online for fast, affordable delivery across Australia

Store and label hazardous chemicals and substances with Safety Signs Australia. Our Hazchem signs are designed to comply with the Australian Standard AS AS 1216. Browse through our collection and shop online for fast and free shipping over $100.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hazchem signs communicate the presence of hazardous chemicals and indicate the firefighting or handling procedures needed during an emergency.

They’re used on chemical storage areas, delivery vehicles, warehouses, factories, and work sites where dangerous substances are present.

By showing the correct codes and symbols, Hazchem signs guide responders on how to fight fires or safely handle spills, reducing risks to people and the environment.

Yes you can create signs with specific Hazchem codes and instructions tailored to the chemicals you use or store.

Hazchem signs convey precise information about chemical hazards and emergency actions, while general danger signs warn of non‑chemical or generic risks.

Yes Hazchem signage must follow recognised Australian and international standards so that emergency teams and workers understand the risks instantly.

Yes. All hazardous chemicals must be labelled with specified elements including pictograms, signal words and hazard/precautionary statements.