It’s not always easy to design effective safety signs. Some use words and a clear message, while others use visual symbols to warn of danger. As long as employees understand what the symbols imply, this is an efficient technique to convey possible dangers.
One form of safety sign pertains to general safety measures, while the other is intended to mark compounds that may be harmful. Both are common in offices, so knowing how they function is critical.
Each sort of Australian safety sign has a standard design to maintain consistency. You will be able to install or put these sorts in your workplace or facility if you understand them.
Australia’s safety sign types are as follows:
- Prohibition signs
- Mandatory signs
- Warning signs
- Danger signs
- Signs Notifying People of Emergency
- Signs Cautioning About Fire
Many of these signs may be found in AS 1319:1994, which is referred to as Occupational Safety Signs. Other generic signs are not required by the rules but are popular because of how often they are used.
Additionally, there is COVID-19 signage posted around the facility to remind both employees and guests of current pandemic health regulations. Social distance cues and mask reminders are among the tools used to keep the virus from spreading further.
- Signs of prohibition-Prohibition signs warn potential violators not to engage in a particular behaviour. You’re told not to do a certain job at a specific location. These no-trespassing signs make use of the well-known red circle and diagonal line symbol. They often use a simple black symbol with a red prohibited circle to depict the behaviour. To ensure optimal visibility, a white field is used.
Mandatory Signs-In Australia, an obligatory sign is the polar opposite of a prohibition sign. There are signs everywhere that tell you to do something specific when you’re in the vicinity of them. These guidelines may be critical to your health and well-being as well as the success of the procedure. In most cases, you’ll see blue pictograms on a white background on the required signage. Pictograms may be either black or blue in
- certain circumstances, with a blue circle generally surrounding them. These provide information, such as directions and things that are permissible rather than not.
- Warning Signs In most cases, warning signs are self-explanatory: they alert people to impending danger or hazardous situations and urge them to proceed with extreme care. There is usually a yellow background on warning signs, and many of the hazards are represented by black pictograms within a black triangle. This sort of sign must always have a yellow background.
- Danger Signs In many ways, danger signs are quite similar to hazard signs, except they warn of a far more urgent and life-threatening risk. In light of the near-imminent danger of death, employees are required by law to obey or be aware of all warning signals. A black rectangle and red oval usually appear at the top of these signs, with the word DANGER white and boldly displayed. A danger sign warns others of impending danger and serves to keep you safe.
- Signs Notifying People of Emergency-Informative signs, which display emergency information, are sometimes known as emergency information signs. These let prospective workers know that there is an emergency facility nearby if they get hurt on the job. A defibrillator, first aid pack, or an emergency exit sign are all examples they often denote. A white background is used for most emergency information signs, with green text and pictograms on a white background. The colour green is an absolute need.
- Signs Cautioning About Fire-Signs indicating the presence of fire alarms or other fire-fighting equipment are known as fire signs. They must use white text and pictograms on a red background for this signage. The red area must be present. Signs indicating the presence of fire safety are generally prominent and simple to see. They’ll be around or next to the gear. Many companies’ equipment containers are painted red to match the sign.
Safety Symbols: What Are Their Benefits?
Pictures can’t express everything, but these images are widely understood symbols that cut across all languages. No matter where you work, looking at the displayed symbols can help you understand the dangers you may be exposed to Programs that employ signs and symbols to deliver a comprehensive message are the most effective in occupational health and safety environments. A hazardous gas emblem, for example, might warn employees if a dangerous gas is present. The usage of a gas mask is required by law, but an accompanying placard instructs employees on how to deal with the danger.
There is no alternative for training, but signs and symbols may serve as helpful reminders. Workers that are unfamiliar with a particular region or procedure may benefit from them the most. Workers can quickly detect a possible danger by seeing a simple notice with a safety symbol.
