Hazardous Goods Sticker Classes Explained: Hazmat Labels Used in Australia

by kyle Sevenoaks March 31, 2026

Hazardous goods (HAZMAT) labelling is a legal requirement in Australia under the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) for the transport, storage, and handling of dangerous materials. Missing or incorrect HAZMAT labels create serious risks: transport violations, workplace safety incidents, environmental contamination, and regulatory fines.

At Stick-Dat, we supply HAZMAT-compliant stickers for Australian businesses, transport operators, and industrial facilities handling dangerous goods. Whether you're transporting chemicals, storing flammable materials, or managing industrial hazards, the correct HAZMAT labelling protects workers, drivers, emergency responders, and the public.

Why HAZMAT Labelling Is Critical

Hazardous goods classification and labelling ensures that dangerous materials are correctly identified, handled, and transported according to Australian Standards. Clear, compliant HAZMAT stickers enable:

Safe transport and storage of dangerous goods
Quick hazard identification by emergency responders
Compliance with ADG Code and workplace safety regulations
Protection of workers, drivers, and the public
Prevention of environmental contamination
Proper emergency response procedures

Poor or missing HAZMAT signage can result in:

Transport violations and vehicle impoundment
Workplace safety incidents and chemical exposure
Environmental damage and cleanup costs
Regulatory fines and prosecution
Insurance claim rejections
Chain of Responsibility (CoR) breaches

Australian Dangerous Goods Classes Explained

The ADG Code classifies hazardous goods into 9 classes based on their primary hazard. Each class uses a specific diamond-shaped placard with distinctive colours and symbols:

Class 1 – Explosives

Orange diamond with exploding bomb symbol. Includes:

Fireworks and pyrotechnics
Ammunition and detonators
Blasting agents and explosives

Subdivided into 1.1 (mass explosion) through 1.6 (extremely insensitive).

Class 2 – Gases

Diamond labels with gas cylinder symbol. Subdivided by hazard:

Class 2.1 – Flammable Gas (Red): LPG, propane, butane, acetylene
Class 2.2 – Non-Flammable, Non-Toxic Gas (Green): Oxygen, nitrogen, CO2, compressed air
Class 2.3 – Toxic Gas (White): Chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide

Our LPG and gas safety stickers meet ADG Code requirements for Class 2 gases.

Class 3 – Flammable Liquids

Red diamond with flame symbol. Includes:

Petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel
Solvents and thinners
Paints and adhesives
Alcohols and spirits

Our Flammable Class 3 stickers and fuel tank identification labels are commonly used for Class 3 materials.

Class 4 – Flammable Solids

Red and white striped diamond. Subdivided into:

Class 4.1 – Flammable Solids: Matches, sulfur, metal powders
Class 4.2 – Spontaneously Combustible: White phosphorus, oily rags
Class 4.3 – Dangerous When Wet: Sodium, calcium carbide

Class 5 – Oxidising Agents & Organic Peroxides

Yellow diamond with flame over circle symbol. Includes:

Class 5.1 – Oxidising Agents: Hydrogen peroxide, pool chlorine, fertilizers
Class 5.2 – Organic Peroxides: Benzoyl peroxide, MEK peroxide

Class 6 – Toxic & Infectious Substances

White diamond with skull or biohazard symbol. Subdivided into:

Class 6.1 – Toxic Substances: Pesticides, cyanides, heavy metals
Class 6.2 – Infectious Substances: Medical waste, biological samples, cultures

Related to our clinical and medical waste labelling for healthcare facilities.

Class 7 – Radioactive Materials

Yellow and white diamond with radiation trefoil symbol. Includes:

Medical isotopes and radiotherapy materials
Industrial radiography sources
Nuclear medicine and research materials

Class 8 – Corrosive Substances

Black and white diamond with corrosion symbol. Includes:

Acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric)
Alkalis (caustic soda, sodium hydroxide)
Battery acid and cleaning chemicals

Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

Black and white striped diamond. Includes:

Lithium batteries and power banks
Dry ice (solid CO2)
Asbestos and environmentally hazardous substances
Magnetized materials

Where HAZMAT Stickers Must Be Displayed

Transport Vehicles

Vehicles transporting dangerous goods must display:

HAZMAT placards on all four sides of the vehicle
Emergency information panels (EIP) with UN numbers
Class-specific diamond labels for the goods being carried
Compliance with ADG Code transport requirements

See our vehicle safety stickers guide for fleet compliance.

Storage Areas & Facilities

Warehouses, depots, and storage facilities require:

Class labels on storage containers and drums
Storage area warning signs (e.g., "Flammable Liquids Storage")
Segregation and compatibility signage
Emergency response information

Workplace & Industrial Sites

Construction sites, factories, and industrial facilities need:

Chemical storage cabinet labels
Pipework and tank identification
Hazardous area warnings
Emergency equipment markers

Often used alongside construction site safety signage and first aid and emergency equipment markers.

Who Needs HAZMAT Stickers?

Our HAZMAT-compliant labels are used by:

Transport and logistics companies
Chemical manufacturers and distributors
Mining and resources companies
Industrial and manufacturing facilities
Fuel suppliers and service stations
Agricultural and farming operations
Waste management and recycling facilities
Construction and demolition contractors
Medical and laboratory facilities
Councils and government agencies

Built for Australian Compliance

All HAZMAT stickers in our range are:

Printed on high-quality outdoor vinyl
UV-resistant for long-term durability
Suitable for metal, plastic, and painted surfaces
Designed to withstand weather, chemicals, and handling
Compliant with Australian Dangerous Goods Code
Manufactured in Brisbane, Australia

Bulk Options for Industrial Operations

High-volume users benefit from bulk purchasing:

Consistent HAZMAT labelling across all sites and vehicles
Trade-friendly pricing for volume orders
Fast turnaround for urgent compliance requirements
Custom options for site-specific hazard identification

Why Choose Stick-Dat for HAZMAT Labelling?

Australian made signage – manufactured in Brisbane, Australia
Fast turnaround and shipping
Trade-friendly pricing for industrial and transport operators
Designed for real-world dangerous goods compliance
Trusted by transport companies, industrial facilities, and safety professionals nationwide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between HAZMAT placards and labels?

Placards are large (250mm) diamond signs displayed on transport vehicles. Labels are smaller versions used on packages, drums, and containers. Both use the same class colours and symbols.

Do I need HAZMAT stickers for small quantities of dangerous goods?

Yes, in most cases. Even small quantities require proper labelling for safe handling, storage, and emergency response. Check the ADG Code for specific quantity exemptions.

Can I use the same HAZMAT stickers for transport and storage?

Yes. The same class diamond labels are used for both transport and storage, though transport vehicles also require placards and emergency information panels.

How do I know which HAZMAT class my chemicals belong to?

Check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for your chemical. It will specify the dangerous goods class, UN number, and labelling requirements.

Are HAZMAT stickers required for LPG vehicles?

Yes. LPG-converted vehicles must display Class 2.1 Flammable Gas red diamond stickers on the rear of the vehicle as per ADR requirements.

Related Compliance Collections

Complete your dangerous goods compliance signage:

Order HAZMAT Stickers Online

If you need compliant, durable HAZMAT stickers for transport, storage, or industrial use, browse our range of dangerous goods class labels:

👉 HAZMAT Products:

Whether you need stickers for one vehicle or bulk packs for industrial operations, Stick-Dat has a solution built for Australian dangerous goods compliance. Order today for fast dispatch across Australia.