Under the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations, labels and symbols present hazards in a consistent way so workers and contractors can understand them at a glance.
A label's design consists of a signal word, a pictogram, and specific text detailing both the hazards involved and the necessary precautions to take.
The same information appears in Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Standardised chemical safety signs and symbols keep messaging aligned across labels, postings, and procedures.
Standards that are Applicable and How They are Integrated
| Standard / Authority | Scope | Where it applies | What it standardises | Notes on integration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPA Notices (GHS 7 aligned) Hazard Classification, Labelling, SDS | Classification and label/SDS content | On supplier/workplace labels and in training | Label elements (signal word, pictograms, hazard/precautionary statements); SDS format | Establishes core content workers read on labels and in SDS |
| HSWA (Hazardous Substances) Regulations | Signage duties and thresholds; certified locations | Entrances, buildings/rooms, storage and work areas | When signs are required; what information appears; placement expectations | Ensures signage is present where specified substances/quantities trigger duties |
| AS/NZS 1319 | Facility safety sign categories and colours | Fixed signage in rooms, corridors, equipment areas, exits | Symbol types (prohibition, warning, mandatory, emergency info, fire), colour codes, layouts | Delivers consistent recognition across sites and contractors |
| NZS 5433 & Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 | Transport identification and response | Loading bays, external doors, vehicles and bulk containers | Placards, labels, UN numbers; certain emergency codes | Complements workplace signage by informing responders during transport and at interface points |
GHS Pictograms and Meanings
This section depicts what GHS pictograms look like and what they mean. There are 9 in total, each assigned to a specific type of hazard.
How to Interpret the NZS 5433 Placards and UN Numbers
At transport interfaces and external loading areas, responders rely on NZS 5433 placards/labels and UN numbers under the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005.
Placards identify the class/division and, where required, the UN number; emergency information is linked to these identifiers so immediate actions can be taken during incidents.
Site arrangements and contractor briefings generally reflect these markings to support rapid response.
Signal Words, Colours, and Layout Requirements
The signal word should align with the product’s GHS 7 classification, and standard colours and layouts are followed so messages remain clear.
- “Danger” indicates immediate, serious hazards.
- “Warning” indicates significant but less immediate hazards.
- “Caution” marks potential hazards or unsafe practices.
For facility signage, AS/NZS 1319 symbol categories and colours support quick recognition across corridors, rooms, and exits.
Where Chemical Safety Signs and Labels Must Be Placed
Primary containers come fully labeled from the supplier, aligned to GHS 7 and these labels should be kept intact. When a product is poured into a secondary container and will be used later or left unattended, a workplace label reflecting the SDS should be applied.
Where specified substances or threshold quantities are present, hazardous substance location signs are posted at entrances and affected areas, and certification duties may apply:
- In active work areas, warning signs should be placed at critical decision points, such as entrances, exits, and equipment controls, and must be taken down as soon as the risk is eliminated.
- In laboratories, lab safety and chemical hazard signs are placed near eyewash stations, storage cabinets, and entry doors so key information is visible before work begins.
Training and Competency Development
The best way to develop your team's safety skills is with brief and frequent training updates. A proven method is:
- Recognize the Symbol: Know what the safety icon means at a glance.
- State the Risk: Clearly describe the potential hazard.
- Apply the Control: Confidently use the correct safety measure, such as wearing protective equipment, ensuring good airflow, or using a shut-off valve.
You can easily find ready-to-use visuals and handouts from official safety organizations to support your training.
Selecting Appropriate Signage for Your Facility
- In handling areas, EPA-aligned label elements that reflect the SDS are expected.
- For loading bays, stores, and external doors, NZS 5433 placards and UN numbers are commonly present so responders can assess risk before entry or transport.
- For general warnings and routes, AS/NZS 1319 symbols and layouts are preferred to maintain consistency across the site.
Guidance from regulators and standards bodies assists in translating SDS detail into the appropriate mix of labels and area signs.
Common Compliance Mistakes
Teams often run into similar problems:
- Secondary containers aren’t labelled after a transfer
- The wrong signal word is chosen
- Non-standard colours or layouts make labels harder to read.
EPA Notices set the requirements for label and SDS content, while the Health and Safety at Work (HSWA) Regulations and AS/NZS 1319 explain how facility signs should look and where they should be placed.
Final Thoughts
Chemical safety signs act as a shared language. EPA-aligned label elements on containers, AS/NZS 1319 formats on area signs, and NZS 5433 placards/UN numbers at transport points together create a consistent system. Keeping labels current, delivering brief refreshers, and maintaining easy access to the SDS help people make better decisions and work safely every day.
FAQs
1) How do GHS pictograms differ from NZS 5433 placards?
GHS pictograms show the type of hazard on container labels and SDSs. NZS 5433 placards and UN numbers support transport and emergency response at doors, loading bays, and on vehicles. Both may be present when relevant.
2) Do secondary containers need labels?
Yes. If a product is transferred, a workplace label should be applied before use or if the container will be left unattended. Wording should reflect the SDS.
3) Which signal word should be selected?
To maintain consistency between what is taught in training and what appears on labels, always consult the SDS and EPA Labelling Notice. It defines “Danger” as the signal word for a higher-level hazard compared to “Warning.”
4) Where should general hazard signs appear in a plant?
Decision points such as entrances, process controls, and exit routes are typical locations. Signs remain visible while the hazard exists, aligned with AS/NZS 1319 categories and colours.
5) Are official pictogram files available for printing?
Yes. Official, scalable artwork is recommended so symbols remain accurate and readable at any size; AS/NZS 1319 symbols are applied for facility signage.