Types of Safety Signs and Stickers and what they mean

Prohibition Signs

Purpose: To provide clear instructions on actions that are strictly prohibited.

Prohibition signs are essential for indicating what actions are not allowed. For instance, use a NO ENTRY sign to restrict access or a NO SMOKING sign in areas where smoking is forbidden.

Appearance: These signs feature a black pictograph of the prohibited action or item, overlaid with a red circle and diagonal slash, set against a white background with black text.

Warning Signs

Purpose: To alert individuals to potential hazards that could cause harm but are not life-threatening.

Warning signs are crucial for preventing injuries. Common examples include SLIPPERY WHEN WET signs. You’ll also see them near uneven surfaces, boiling water, forklifts, and areas with electrical hazards.

Appearance: These signs have a black pictograph inside a black triangle on a bright yellow background with black text.

Danger Signs

Purpose: To warn of life-threatening hazards.

Danger signs are vital in areas with high-risk conditions, such as those involving high-powered machinery, acids, high voltages, and volatile chemicals.

Appearance: These signs display the word DANGER in white, capital letters inside a red oval on a black rectangular background, with the specific threat written below in bold black text.

Fire Safety Signs

Purpose: To help quickly locate fire safety equipment.

In the event of a fire, it’s crucial that employees know where to find fire alarms and extinguishers. Fire safety signs should be placed near fire blankets, hoses, and other firefighting equipment.

Appearance: These signs are easily identifiable with their bright red background and white pictograph and text.

Emergency Information Signs

Purpose: To help locate first-aid equipment and emergency facilities quickly.

In an emergency, employees need to find the emergency telephone, first-aid kit, and exits swiftly.

Appearance: These signs feature a white pictograph and text on a green background.

Restriction Signs

Purpose: To indicate limits on certain activities.

Restriction signs often display numerical limits, such as speed limits, vehicle weights, or height restrictions.

Appearance: These signs have a white background with a red circle and the limit number written inside in black font.

General Information Signs

While not included in AS 1319:1994, general information signs are still essential for maintaining order and safety. These signs provide instructions for parking, housekeeping, logistics, accessibility, cleaning, safety practices, and company rules.

Installation Requirements

Although there are no specific legal requirements for the material or size of workplace signage, it is recommended that pictographs measure at least 15mm and uppercase letters 5mm for every metre of viewing distance. In poorly lit areas, the size of the sign should be doubled.

Your Workplace, Your Responsibility

As a facility manager, you are responsible for ensuring that your workplace complies with Australian regulations. Familiarize yourself with the Australian Standard AS 1319:1994 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment and relevant industry codes of practice, including requirements for location, mounted height, and visibility distance.