DG Labels, Signs & Placards NSW: ADG Code Requirements | Kells

Labels, signs, and placards are the visible language of dangerous goods compliance. Get them wrong — wrong size, wrong class, wrong position, or missing entirely — and you have a compliance failure that will be spotted at the first roadside inspection. The ADG Code is specific. Here is exactly what is required and where to source compliant items.

The Three Layers: Labels, Marks, and Placards

The ADG Code uses three distinct marking systems, applied at different levels of the transport chain:

• Labels — applied to individual packages and outer packaging. Identify the dangerous goods class and sub-risk. Must comply with ADG Code size and design specifications.
• Marks — additional text-based information applied to packages (UN number, proper shipping name, packing group markings). Separate from labels.
• Placards — applied to the vehicle itself. Visible from a distance. Required when the vehicle is carrying a placard load (above threshold quantities).

All three are mandatory under the ADG Code. Missing or incorrect labels on packages, or missing placards on a vehicle carrying a placard load, are enforcement triggers.

Class Labels: Matching the Hazard Diamond to Your UN Number

Every dangerous goods package must be labelled with the correct class label — the hazard diamond identifying the class (and sub-risk where applicable) of the dangerous goods inside. The specific label required is determined by the Dangerous Goods List in the ADG Code against your UN number.

Kells Safety Centre stocks two types of class labels:

• Self Adhesive Class Labels — for application to packages, outer packaging, and containers. Available in standard ADG Code sizes. The most common choice for general DG operators packaging their own goods.
• Metal Class Labels — durable, reusable metal labels for fixed applications on vehicles, storage areas, and equipment. Used where a permanent label installation is needed.

Always confirm the correct class label for your specific UN number using the current ADG Code Edition 7.9 — do not assume based on general product category.

GHS Labels: The Workplace Chemical Labelling System

The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) label is required for hazardous chemicals in the workplace under the WHS Regulations — it is a separate requirement from the ADG Code transport labels. A chemical that requires both a GHS label (for workplace storage) and an ADG Code class label (for transport) must have both applied correctly in the appropriate context.

Self Adhesive GHS Labels from Kells are available for workplace chemical labelling compliance. They are not a substitute for ADG Code transport labels — they serve a different regulatory function under different legislation.

4-L × CLASS Labels: Multi-Class Packages

The 4-L × CLASS label is a specific label format used for packages containing dangerous goods in multiple classes, where the 4L packaging specification applies. These are specialist labels for operators packaging complex mixed dangerous goods — not required for standard single-class loads. Kells stocks Self Adhesive Labels 4-L × CLASS for operators who need them.

Vehicle Placards: What’s Required and When

Placards are applied to the vehicle — not the packaging. They are required when a vehicle is transporting a placard load of dangerous goods (above the threshold quantities specified in the ADG Code). Placards must be:

• The correct class label for the primary dangerous good on board
• Displayed on the front, rear, and both sides of the vehicle
• At least 250mm × 250mm in size
• Rigid, weatherproof, and visible from outside the vehicle

For multi-class loads, placarding requirements become more complex — the primary class must be identified, and sub-risk placards may be required. The ADG Code Dangerous Goods List specifies the required placarding for each UN number.

Safety Signs: EPG Location and Emergency Signage

Beyond transport labelling, DG vehicles must display specific safety signs related to emergency procedures. The ADG Code requires that the Emergency Procedure Guide location be indicated — typically with a sticker on the cab exterior identifying where the EPG is stored inside the vehicle.

Kells stocks two relevant signs:

• EPG Sticker — placed on the outside of the cab to indicate EPG location to emergency services. Required under the ADG Code.
• EPG Located Behind Driver Seat Sticker — specifically indicates the EPG is stored behind the driver seat, a common mounting location.

Standard safety signs for depots, loading areas, and storage facilities are also available through Kells’ Standard Safety Signs range — covering required workplace safety signage under WHS legislation and the ADG Code storage requirements.

The Dangerous Goods Flipover: In-Cab Reference

The Dangerous Goods Flipover is a compact, laminated reference guide that provides drivers with quick access to DG class information, emergency actions, and hazchem code meanings — without needing to open the full ADG Code document. It is designed for in-cab use and covers the most common dangerous goods classes encountered in road transport.

It is a practical supplement to the Emergency Procedure Guide — not a replacement. But for a driver who needs a quick reference on hazchem code meanings or class compatibility, it is a useful tool.

For full regulatory guidance, refer to the NSW EPA and Safe Work NSW.

Key Takeaways

• Labels go on packages; placards go on the vehicle — both are required under the ADG Code
• GHS labels are a separate workplace requirement, not a transport substitute
• EPG location stickers are required by the ADG Code and must be visible from outside the cab
• Kells Safety Centre stocks self-adhesive and metal class labels, placards, GHS labels, and EPG signs
• Always confirm the correct label for your specific UN number using ADG Code Edition 7.9

Frequently Asked Questions

What size must dangerous goods labels be on packages?

ADG Code class labels on packages must be at least 100mm × 100mm for most applications. Smaller labels are permitted on small packages where the full size cannot be accommodated — check the ADG Code for the specific minimum size requirements for your package type and class.

Do I need both a GHS label and an ADG Code label on the same package?

It depends on the context. GHS labels are required for hazardous chemicals in the workplace under WHS Regulations. ADG Code class labels are required for transport of dangerous goods by road. The same package may need both — applied correctly and legibly. They are separate requirements under separate legislation.

What is a hazchem code and where does it appear?

A hazchem code is a 2–4 character alphanumeric code that tells emergency services the recommended immediate response to a dangerous goods incident involving a specific substance. It appears on the Emergency Information Panel (EIP) fitted to the vehicle — not on individual package labels. It is not the same as the class label or UN number.

Can I reuse placards from one load to the next?

Yes — reusable placards are common. Rigid metal or plastic placards can be removed after a load is complete and the vehicle is empty. However, placards must be removed (or covered) when the vehicle no longer carries dangerous goods at placard load — driving with placards on an empty or sub-threshold vehicle is a compliance breach.

Where can I buy dangerous goods labels and placards in NSW?

Kells Safety Centre stocks self-adhesive class labels, GHS labels, metal class labels, EPG stickers, and the full range of EIP and truck signage equipment at our Wetherill Park store and online. Browse the full range at Labels, Signs, and EIP & Truck Signage Equipment.

What course covers labelling and placarding in detail?

The TLILIC0001 DG Driver Licence course covers labels, marks, and placards as assessed competency — including how to read the Dangerous Goods List, apply the correct label for a specific UN number, and place placards correctly on a vehicle. Delivered by Kells Safety Centre (RTO 91528) across Western Sydney and Wollongong.