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Site signage

Appropriate site signage is important. The need for specific signs will be decided when the initial site evaluation is taking place. Standards Australia has standards covering the use of safety signs in industry, the most relevant standard being AS 1319, Safety signs for the occupational environment.

A square blue and white sign displaying a cartoon of a person's head wearing safety goggles.A red and white triangular sign with the words 'Fire extinguisher' underneath which is a white circle. Under the circle is a white arrow pointing down.A green and white sign with a cartoon of a person's head under a spray of water from a shower. Under the picture are the words 'Emergency shower'.

The three main types of signs covered by this standard are:

  • picture signs which use standard symbols and colours of the hazard, equipment or work task
  • signs with word only messages made distinctive by the use of standard shapes and colours
  • picture signs which include a short text message.

Signs must be placed so they are clearly visible to all workers and are securely attached to a fence or wall that remains fixed (does not move). The best height is about 1,500 mm above ground so that the signs are at about eye level.