Safety Signage

OHS signs are essential in keeping your workplace safe. Everyday, workplaces put workers at risks of accidents and injuries that can happen anytime.

Safety signage provides awareness and guidance for workers and visitors to navigate the workplace safely. Australian safety signs can be categorised into six main types.

Understanding each type's purpose can help you determine what you need in your workplace and where to display them to be most effective.

Prohibition Signs – things you must not do

Prohibition signs are used for informing people what they must not do. E.g. Using a universally recognisable red circle with a diagonal line.

Mandatory Signs – things you must do

Mandatory signs are used for providing instructions that must be followed. Typically denoted by the use of a white pictogram within a blue circle on a white background. E.g. PPE controls: Foot Protection Must Be Worn In This Area.

Danger Signs – potentially life-threatening

Danger signs use a red oval inside a black rectangle with the word DANGER in bold, capital letters, alerts people to the danger. E.g. DO NOT ENTER signs.

Warning Signs – things that can cause harm

Warning signs let people know that the condition or item could cause people to be hurt but are not immediately life-threatening. Warning signs use a yellow background with a black triangle around the hazard symbol or pictogram.

Emergency Information Signs – provide information and directions

Emergency information signs give the location of emergency related exits and safety equipment, e.g. first aid or safety equipment. Emergency information signs use a green background with white writing and symbols.

Fire Signs – fire equipment

Fire signs are used for fire alarms and firefighting equipment like fire hoses, extinguishers and more. Using a red background with white text and imagery makes these signs easy to spot in an emergency situation.

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