Hazchem & Dangerous Goods Signs — ADG Code Compliant for Australian Workplaces

At National Safety Signs we supply ADG Code compliant Hazchem signs and dangerous goods labels for Australian workplaces, transport operators, and chemical storage facilities. Our range also includes DG class diamonds, Hazchem vehicle placards, and emergency information panels.

Every sign meets the requirements of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code Edition 7.8) and AS 1216. Additionally, all signs comply with relevant WHS Regulations for hazardous chemical identification. Choose from DG classes 1 through 9. Order online today with fast nationwide delivery.

What Are Hazchem Signs?

Hazchem signs identify the presence of dangerous or hazardous goods in vehicles, storage areas, and workplaces. They tell emergency services, workers, and the public what hazard is present. Furthermore, they communicate what action to take in an emergency.

The term ‘Hazchem’ comes from the Australian emergency action code system used on vehicle placards and storage signs. Each code consists of a number (the emergency action code) and one or more letters. Those letters indicate the firefighting medium, the protective equipment required, and whether evacuation is needed.

Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code 7.8) and Work Health and Safety Regulations require operators transporting or storing dangerous goods to display the correct signs, labels, and placards. Non-compliance carries serious consequences. Operators face WHS penalties, transport infringement notices, and legal liability following an incident.

National Safety Signs supplies the full range of ADG Code compliant Hazchem and dangerous goods signs for all Australian states and territories.

DG Classes — What Signs Do You Need?

Dangerous goods fall into 9 classes under the ADG Code. Each class requires specific signs, labels, and placards. Our range covers all of them:

• Class 1 — Explosives: Hazard placards, explosive diamond labels, and compatibility signage.
• Class 2 — Gases: Flammable gas, non-flammable gas, and toxic gas signs and placards.
• Class 3 — Flammable Liquids: Hazchem placards and flammable liquid diamond labels.
• Class 4 — Flammable Solids: Spontaneously combustible and dangerous when wet signs.
• Class 5 — Oxidising Agents & Organic Peroxides: Oxidiser and peroxide diamond labels.
• Class 6 — Toxic & Infectious Substances: Toxic, harmful, and biohazard signs.
• Class 7 — Radioactive Material: Radioactive category I, II, and III labels and placards.
• Class 8 — Corrosives: Corrosive diamond labels and storage area signs.
• Class 9 — Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods: Class 9 labels and miscellaneous DG signs.

Our range also includes UN number labels, emergency information panels (EIP), Hazchem emergency action code panels, and dangerous goods segregation and storage area signs.

Who We Supply

Essential Services — Defence, Police, Ambulance and Fire — National Safety Signs is a preferred supplier to major essential services throughout Australia. We supply DG labels, Hazchem signs, and transport and storage signage for dangerous goods and explosives.

Transport & Logistics — Road transport operators, freight companies, and tanker operators use our ADG Code compliant vehicle placards, emergency information panels, and Hazchem panels. We cover all dangerous goods transport operations across Australia.

Warehousing & Distribution — Warehouse operators and distribution centres use our DG class diamonds, storage area signs, and segregation signs. These products help them meet dangerous goods storage licence requirements and WHS Regulations for hazardous chemicals.

Manufacturing & Chemical Processing — Chemical manufacturers and processors need DG labels, Hazchem signs, and storage area signage throughout production areas. These signs also help them meet their PCBU obligations under WHS legislation.

Mining & Resources — Mine sites handle multiple classes of dangerous goods across fuel storage, chemical handling, and explosive storage areas. Operators consequently need comprehensive DG signage to meet site safety plans and state mining regulations.

Service Stations & Fuel Retailers — Fuel storage and dispensing operations need Class 3 flammable liquid Hazchem signs, no smoking signs, and DG storage area signage throughout the site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hazchem signs what and when are they required in Australia?

Hazchem signs identify the presence of dangerous goods and communicate emergency response information to emergency services, workers, and the public. They are required under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code Edition 7.8) and WHS Regulations whenever dangerous goods above threshold quantities are transported by road or stored in a workplace. The word ‘Hazchem’ refers to the Australian emergency action code system. A panel displays a code number and letters telling emergency responders what firefighting medium to use, what protective equipment to wear, and whether evacuation is needed. National Safety Signs supplies ADG Code compliant Hazchem signs for transport operators, warehouses, and chemical storage facilities across Australia.

What does the Hazchem code mean?

Codes for Hazchem appear on Australian vehicle placards and storage signs for dangerous goods. Each code consists of two parts. First, a number from 1 to 4 indicates the firefighting medium: 1 = jets, 2 = fog, 3 = foam, 4 = dry agent. Second, one or more letters communicate protective equipment and approach instructions. For example, S or SE indicates the substance may be washed to drain, and E at the end means consider evacuation. Letters P, R, S, T, W, X, Y, Z indicate specific protective equipment requirements. A Hazchem code of ‘2SE’ therefore means: use water fog, wash to drain, and consider evacuation. National Safety Signs supplies Hazchem emergency action code panels for all dangerous goods classes.

What is the difference between Hazchem signs and dangerous goods signs?

Hazchem signs and dangerous goods signs serve related but distinct purposes. A Hazchem sign refers specifically to the orange emergency action panel displaying the emergency code, UN number, and sometimes the DG class diamond. Transport operators use it on vehicles carrying dangerous goods under the ADG Code. Dangerous goods signs, however, is a broader term. It covers all signage for DG storage, handling, and transport — including DG class diamonds, storage area signs, segregation signs, and emergency information panels. National Safety Signs supplies both Hazchem vehicle placards and the full range of dangerous goods signs and labels.

Which DG class signs do I need for my chemical?

The dangerous goods class sign you need depends on the classification of your chemical under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code 7.8). Dangerous goods fall into 9 classes. These are Class 1 (Explosives), Class 2 (Gases), Class 3 (Flammable Liquids), Class 4 (Flammable Solids), Class 5 (Oxidising Agents), Class 6 (Toxic Substances), Class 7 (Radioactive Material), Class 8 (Corrosives), and Class 9 (Miscellaneous). Each class uses a specific diamond label design and colour. To identify your chemical’s DG class, check its Safety Data Sheet (SDS). National Safety Signs stocks DG class diamond labels for all 9 classes. Call our team on (07) 5665 8996 for help identifying the correct signs.

What Hazchem signs are required on a truck transporting dangerous goods?

Under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code 7.8), road vehicles transporting dangerous goods above placard load quantities must carry specific signage. Drivers must display a Hazchem emergency information panel on the front and rear of the vehicle. Additionally, DG class diamond placards must show on each side and rear. A UN number panel must also identify the specific substance being carried. Vehicles carrying multiple DG classes may need multi-class placard configurations. The exact requirements depend on the DG class, quantity, and transport configuration. National Safety Signs supplies ADG Code compliant Hazchem vehicle placards, DG class diamonds, and UN number panels for all dangerous goods transport applications.

What dangerous goods signs are required for chemical storage in Australia?

Australian workplaces storing dangerous goods above minor storage quantities must post signs identifying the DG class present, the Hazchem emergency information, and any relevant restrictions. Under WHS Regulations (Chapter 7 — Hazardous Chemicals) and the ADG Code, storage areas need DG class diamond signs at entry points, Hazchem emergency information panels, and maximum storage quantity signs. Furthermore, no smoking and no naked flames signs apply where relevant, and segregation signs must appear where incompatible goods are stored. State and territory dangerous goods storage licences may also impose additional requirements. National Safety Signs supplies a complete dangerous goods storage signage range for warehouses, fuel depots, and chemical storage facilities across Australia.

What is AS 1216 and how does it relate to dangerous goods signs?

AS 1216 is the Australian Standard for Class Labels for Dangerous Goods. It specifies the design, colour, dimensions, and symbols for each of the 9 DG class diamond labels used in Australia. Importantly, this standard aligns with the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and is referenced directly by the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code 7.8). As a result, all DG class diamond labels on vehicles and in storage areas must comply with AS 1216 specifications. National Safety Signs manufactures DG class diamond labels to AS 1216 requirements for all 9 dangerous goods classes.

What is a GHS label and is it the same as a Hazchem sign?

GHS (Globally Harmonised System) labels and Hazchem signs are different but related systems. GHS is an international system for classifying and labelling chemicals on packaging and containers in the workplace. GHS labels include hazard pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements as Safe Work Australia’s Hazardous Chemicals Code of Practice requires. Hazchem signs, however, are an Australian-specific emergency response system governed by the ADG Code. A chemical may therefore need both a GHS-compliant product label on its container and Hazchem signage on the vehicle or storage area. National Safety Signs supplies both GHS-compliant chemical labels and ADG Code compliant Hazchem signs.

Can I order custom Hazchem signs with specific UN numbers or emergency codes?

Yes. National Safety Signs manufactures custom Hazchem signs and dangerous goods placards with your specific UN number, Hazchem emergency action code, DG class diamond, and any additional required information. Many transport operators order custom panels for substances that need unique placard configurations. All custom signs maintain full ADG Code 7.8 and AS 1216 compliance in terms of design, colour, dimensions, and typography. Submit requests via our online Design a Sign tool or call our sales team on (07) 5665 8996 for a quote and lead time.

How quickly will Hazchem and dangerous goods signs be delivered?

National Safety Signs dispatches standard stock Hazchem signs and dangerous goods labels same day or next business day from our Brisbane facility, Monday to Friday. Express delivery covers all Australian capital cities and regional areas. Delivery timeframes are: Brisbane 1 business day; Sydney and Melbourne 2-3 business days; Perth, Adelaide, and Darwin 3-5 business days. For urgent compliance requirements — including pre-inspection or pre-audit situations — call (07) 5665 8996 before ordering. Our team will confirm stock and arrange priority dispatch for your Hazchem order.