Is your workplace up to standard when it comes to displaying the correct safety signage?
Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1319:1994 has very detailed guidelines around correct artwork to classify as a compliant workplace safety sign. These guidelines are broken down into multiple categories that must account for every hazard that is present in your workplace.
Danger Signs - Hazards that can KILL you.
Any hazard that can cause life-threatening injuries or can potentially be fatal, a compliant danger sign must be displayed where appropriate around the workplace. The word 'DANGER' and the red oval inside a black box must be displayed to the exact dimensions and colour outlined in the AS/NZS 1319:1994.
Warning Signs - Hazards that can HURT you.
Any hazard that has the potential to cause any level of non-life threatening physical harm must be accompanied by compliant danger sign within the immediate vicinity. Warning signs are easily recognizable with a black triangle with an image of the hazard inside on top of a yellow background sign.
Prohibition Signs - Things you CAN'T do.
Use these signs when you want to tell employees/visitors what they aren't allowed to do. A universally understood image with a red circle around and a red diagonal line through indicates what is generally not allowed. It should be displayed up front and large so there is no misunderstanding.
Mandatory Signs - Things you MUST do.
A Mandatory sign is used to tell employees/visitors what they have to abide by on site. Usually used to instruct what PPE must be worn or what simple tasks must be performed, They are easily seen with a large blue circle with easy to understand symbolism accompanied by clear instructions underneath.
Emergency & Fire Signs - Things that will SAVE you.
In case of an emergency, these signs help guide employees to an area that can provide safety equipment or a safe way to the exit. The white text on a green background is a universal indication of safety equipment / first aid kit / fire exit etc. While a red background on a sign will indicate the location of a fire extinguisher.
