Dangerous Goods Panels & Placards — ADG Code 7.8 Compliant for Road Transport

National Safety Signs supplies ADG Code 7.8 compliant dangerous goods panels and placards for road transport operators, fleet managers, and logistics companies across Australia.

Our range includes Transport emergency information panels (EIPs) and Storage emergency information panels (EIP’s), Hazchem vehicle placards, UN number panels, DG class diamonds, flip kit systems, and DG transport labels.

Every product meets the requirements of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code Edition 7.8) for the transport of dangerous goods by road. Additionally, all panels and placards are Australian- made with fast nationwide delivery. Order online today.

What Are Dangerous Goods Panels and Placards?

Dangerous goods panels and placards are the identification signs that road vehicles must display when transporting dangerous goods above the placard load quantities specified in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code 7.8). They tell emergency services, other road users, and enforcement officers what dangerous substance the vehicle is carrying and how to respond in an emergency.

Under ADG Code Part 5, vehicles transporting DG above placard load must display:

Transport Emergency Information Panels (EIPs) — This white panel is  displayed on the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle. An EIP contains the Chemical or Substance Name, Hazchem emergency code, the UN number of the substance, and the DG class diamond and Specialist Advice for Emergencies. EIPs must meet specific size and reflectivity requirements under ADG Code 7.8.

DG Class Diamonds — The coloured diamond labels identifying the dangerous goods class. Class diamonds must be displayed alongside EIPs on all required vehicle surfaces.

Storage Emergency Information Panels (EIPs) — This white panel is  displayed on the entrance to the stored substance. The EIP contains the Chemical or Substance Name, Hazchem emergency code, the UN number of the substance, and the DG class diamond. EIPs must meet specific size and reflectivity requirements under ADG Code 7.8.

Flip Card Systems — Multi-page placard systems for vehicles carrying different DG substances on different runs. The flip card allows the driver to display the correct EIP for each load.

When Are DG Placards Required?

Dangerous goods placards are required when a vehicle carries dangerous goods above the ‘placard load’ quantity specified in Table 5.1 of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. The placard load threshold varies by DG class and packing group.

Additionally, some DG classes require placarding at any quantity — including explosives (Class 1) and radioactive materials (Class 7). Transport operators must consult the ADG Code 7.8 or their dangerous goods safety adviser to confirm the specific threshold for their substance.

Failure to display required placards is an offence under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and state transport legislation. Penalties include infringement notices, vehicle defect notices, and prosecution for serious non-compliance.

Our Range

National Safety Signs stocks the following dangerous goods panels and placard products:

Emergency Information Panels (EIPs) — Standard and custom EIPs to ADG Code 7.8 spec.

Available for all common DG classes and substances. Also available in reflective grades for vehicles operating at night or in low-visibility conditions.

Hazchem Placards — Orange Hazchem panels with emergency action code and UN number fields. Stock panels for common substances and custom-printed panels for specific loads.

DG Class Diamonds — All 9 class diamonds to AS 1216 spec. Available in multiple sizes to suit different vehicle types and placard configurations.

UN Number Panels — Plain orange UN number panels for bulk transport applications.

Flip Card Systems — Binder-style flip card systems for multi-substance transport. Each card in the system displays a complete EIP for a specific DG load.

DG Transport Labels — Smaller DG class labels for packages, IBCs, and intermediate containers. Compliant with ADG Code packaging and marking requirements.

Custom Panels — Custom-printed EIPs and Hazchem panels with specific UN numbers, emergency codes, and DG class configurations for non-standard loads.

Who We Supply

Road Transport Operators — Truck owner-operators, bulk tanker operators, and freight companies use our ADG Code compliant EIPs and placards for all dangerous goods loads.

We supply both individual replacement panels and bulk packs for large fleets.

Logistics & Warehousing Companies — Distribution companies managing mixed DG loads use our flip card systems to maintain compliance across variable loads. Furthermore, our stocked range allows same-day or next-day dispatch for urgent fleet requirements.

Chemical Manufacturers & Processors — Chemical producers use our DG transport labels and EIPs for outbound shipments of dangerous goods by road.

Fleet Managers & Transport Safety Officers — Safety managers overseeing DG transport compliance programs order bulk placards and replacement panels to maintain compliant vehicle fleets across all states and territories.

Mining Support & Resources — Mining companies with DG transport operations use our compliant placards for the transport of fuel, explosives, chemicals, and other DG across mine site access roads and public highways.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are dangerous goods placards required on a vehicle in Australia?

Dangerous goods placards are required when a vehicle transports dangerous goods above the ‘placard load’ quantities specified in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code Edition 7.8), Table 5.1. The placard load threshold varies by DG class and packing group. For example, Class 3 flammable liquids in Packing Group II require placarding when the vehicle carries more than 1,000 litres. Some classes require placarding at any quantity — including Class 1 (Explosives) and Class 7 (Radioactive Material). Transport operators must confirm the specific threshold for their substance using ADG Code Table 5.1 or consult a dangerous goods safety adviser. National Safety Signs supplies ADG Code 7.8 compliant EIPs and placards for all DG classes across Australia.

What is an Emergency Information Panel (EIP) and what must it display?

An Emergency Information Panel (EIP) is the primary identification panel displayed on road vehicles transporting dangerous goods under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code 7.8). Under ADG Code Part 5, an EIP must display: the Hazchem emergency action code (a number and letters indicating firefighting medium and protective equipment), the four-digit UN number of the substance being transported, and the DG class diamond for the substance. EIPs must measure a minimum of 300mm x 120mm for standard road vehicles. They must also meet reflectivity requirements for night visibility. National Safety Signs manufactures EIPs to full ADG Code 7.8 specification for all dangerous goods classes.

What is a flip card dangerous goods system and when do I need one?

A flip card dangerous goods system is a binder-style placard holder that displays a complete Emergency Information Panel for each DG substance a vehicle may carry. Each card in the system shows the EIP for a different substance — the driver flips to the correct card before each load. Flip card systems are used by transport operators who carry different dangerous goods on different runs, eliminating the need to change individual placards for each load. They are particularly common in distribution and chemical delivery operations. National Safety Signs supplies flip card DG systems and individual replacement cards for all common DG substances.

What size must dangerous goods placards be under the ADG Code?

Under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code 7.8), placard and panel sizes are specified in ADG Code Part 5. Emergency Information Panels (EIPs) must be a minimum of 800mm x 600mm for most road vehicles. DG class diamonds displayed on vehicles must be a minimum of 250mm x 250mm. For bulk containers and tanks, larger sizes apply — 250mm x 250mm diamonds for containers and 800mm x 600mm for tanks in some configurations. UN number panels must also meet minimum dimension requirements under the ADG Code. National Safety Signs manufactures all panels and placards to ADG Code 7.8 size specifications. Contact our team to confirm the correct size for your specific vehicle type and DG class.

Do I need different placards for different DG classes?

Yes. Each dangerous goods class requires a specific DG class diamond and, where applicable, a class-specific Emergency Information Panel. The DG class diamond colour and symbol differ for each of the 9 DG classes — for example, Class 3 (Flammable Liquids) uses a red diamond with a flame symbol, while Class 8 (Corrosives) uses a black and white diamond with a corroding hand symbol. When a vehicle carries goods from multiple DG classes, the ADG Code specifies whether combined or separate placards are required. National Safety Signs stocks class diamonds and EIPs for all 9 DG classes. Contact our team if you carry mixed DG loads and need help with placard configuration.

What are the reflectivity requirements for DG placards in Australia?

Under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code 7.8), Emergency Information Panels and DG class diamonds displayed on vehicles must be clearly visible at all times, including at night. The ADG Code specifies that placards must be made from retro-reflective material or be otherwise visible in low light conditions for vehicles operating at night. Class 1 reflective grade material meets standard ADG Code requirements for most DG transport applications. National Safety Signs supplies DG panels and placards in both standard and Class 1 reflective grades. Specify reflective when ordering if your vehicles operate after dark.

Can I get custom dangerous goods panels made with my specific UN number?

Yes. National Safety Signs manufactures custom Emergency Information Panels and Hazchem placards with your specific UN number, Hazchem emergency action code, and DG class diamond configuration. Custom DG panels are required when the substance you transport is not covered by our standard stock panels, or when your load configuration requires a non-standard EIP format. All custom panels comply with ADG Code 7.8 specifications for size, colour, typography, and reflectivity. Submit custom orders via our online Design a Sign tool or call (07) 5665 8996. Custom panels typically dispatch within 1-2 business days of artwork confirmation.

Are DG placards required when transporting dangerous goods in a van or ute?

Yes, if the quantity of dangerous goods carried exceeds the placard load threshold for that substance under ADG Code 7.8. The placard load requirements apply to all road vehicles regardless of size — including vans, utes, and light rigid vehicles. However, many light vehicle operators carry quantities below the placard load threshold and are therefore not required to placard. Regardless of whether placarding is required, all vehicles transporting dangerous goods must carry the required consignment documentation and comply with packaging and marking requirements under the ADG Code. National Safety Signs supplies DG transport labels and smaller placard formats suitable for vans and light vehicles.

How quickly will dangerous goods panels and placards be delivered?

National Safety Signs dispatches standard stock DG panels and placards same day or next business day from our Brisbane facility, Monday to Friday. Express delivery covers all Australian capital cities and most regional areas. Estimated delivery: Brisbane 1 business day; Sydney, Melbourne 2-3 business days; Perth, Adelaide, Darwin 3-5 business days. For urgent fleet compliance requirements — including pre-inspection or enforcement situations — call (07) 5665 8996 before ordering to confirm stock and arrange priority dispatch. Custom panels typically dispatch within 1-2 business days of artwork approval.