What does Hazchem mean in Australia?

Generally, Hazchem is a classification scheme for the labelling of hazardous chemicals to ensure safe handling, storage and transportation. It provides information about the type of hazard through a hazardous chemical code called the Hazchem code.

• Hazard Class
• Emergency Action Code
• Packing Group

HAZCHEM in Australia

Hazchem stands for hazardous chemical. It is a warning plate system used in Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, India and the 

UK for vehicles that transport hazardous chemicals and also used on storage facilities to alert fire emergency services personnel about the type of dangerous goods stored to apply the appropriate emergency action response to a situation involving the hazardous chemical/dangerous good. The ADG Code for the transportation of dangerous goods by road and rail in Australia lays out the requirements for Hazchem warning plates/signs.

The Hazchem code consists of a combination of a number and one or two letters:

• Numerical (1-4) which indicates the type of fire fighting medium to be utilised, 1 (Course Spray), 2 (Fine Spray), 3 (Foam), 4 (Dry Agent)
• First Letter (P, R, S, T, W, X, Y, Z) which provides information about the kind of action to be taken

Outer Warning Placards

A Hazchem sign is required at the entrance to a workplace when the amounts stored exceed the prescribed placarding quantity in the WHS Schedule 11. The Hazchem must also conform to the design in Schedule 13 of the WHS Regulations.