Signs must be displayed when hazardous substances are present at a site above certain threshold quantities. The substances may be stored inside a building, in a particular room or compartment in a building, or in an outdoor area. The need for signage is dictated by the hazard classification of the substance(s) and the quantity stored.
The purpose of signage is primarily to alert people and emergency responders that they are approaching an area where hazardous substances are present.
Where should the sign be located?
Signage should not be so far away from the location of the hazardous substance that its significance is lost, or so close that harm may result before the sign can be read.
When a hazardous substance is stored in a building, the sign must be positioned at every vehicular and pedestrian access to the building, and every vehicular and pedestrian access to the land where the building is located. If the substance is in a particular room or compartment within a building, the entrance to that room or compartment must also have signage.
If the hazardous substance is located in an outdoor area or in a stationary tank, the sign must be positioned immediately next to that area or tank.
What the sign must contain
In general, signs must:
advise that the location contains hazardous substances,
describe the hazardous property and nature of the hazard(s) of the substance,
describe the precautions needed to safely manage the substance,
the actions to be taken in an emergency
identify appropriate emergency response agency(s) or personnel and the means of contacting them,
be able to be read from a distance of 10m, and be easily understood.
Code of practice