What Are Australian Standards?
Australian Standards, developed by Standards Australia, are guidelines designed to ensure that products, services, and systems are consistent, safe, and reliable. While compliance with these standards is often voluntary, some are legally enforced under State and Commonwealth legislation.
For more information about Standards Australia and its work, visit their official website at http://www.standards.org.au.
Understanding AS 1319 - Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment
The Australian Standard AS 1319-1994 specifies the requirements for safety signage in workplace environments. This standard is essential for:
- Controlling safety-related behaviours.
- Warning of potential hazards.
- Providing emergency and fire-related information.
Why Compliance with AS 1319 Matters
Adhering to AS 1319 ensures:
Legal Compliance
Helps businesses meet workplace health and safety (WHS) obligations.
Improved Safety
Minimises risks by effectively communicating hazards and emergency procedures.
Avoidance of Liabilities
Reduces the likelihood of fines, accidents, and reputational damage.
Classifications of Safety Signs in AS 1319
The AS 1319-1994 standard defines the following classifications of safety signs based on their function:
Regulatory Signs
These signs provide instructions where non-compliance could result in legal consequences or a breach of workplace safety protocols.
Prohibition Signs: Indicate actions or activities that are not permitted.
Example: "No Smoking."
Mandatory Signs: Indicate actions that must be carried out.
Example: "Wear Safety Goggles."
Limitation or Restriction Signs: Indicate specific limits, such as speed limits.
Note: These signs are commonly used in conjunction with other standards, like AS 1742.1 for speed limits
Hazard signs
Hazard signs are used to warn of potential dangers and are divided into:
Danger Signs: Warn of hazards or conditions that pose a life-threatening risk.
Example: "Danger: High Voltage."
Warning Signs: Warn of hazards that are not life-threatening but still pose risks.
Example: "Warning: Slippery Surface."
Emergency Information Signs
These signs provide directions or indicate the location of emergency facilities such as exits, first aid stations, or safety equipment.
Examples: "Emergency Exit" or "First Aid Kit."
Note: Exit signs for building interiors are covered under a different standard (AS 2293.1).
Fire signs
Fire signs indicate the location of fire alarms, extinguishers, hoses
or other firefighting equipment.
Examples: "Fire Extinguisher" or "Fire Hose Reel."
Design Specifications in AS 1319
Safety signs must be visible and readable, with text and symbols sized appropriately for viewing distance.
To ensure clarity and effectiveness, the standard outlines specific rules for the colour, shape, and layout of safety signs
Colour, Shape & Enclosure Coding
Prohibition Signs are used to indicate that a specific action or activity is not permitted. These are essential in preventing unauthorised or unsafe behaviours in the workplace.
Prohibition Signs feature a red circle with a diagonal slash over a black symbol on a white background.
Mandatory Signs instruct that a specific action must be carried out to ensure safety and compliance. These are commonly used for personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
They consist of a blue circular background with a white symbol.
Danger Signs warn of hazardous conditions that are likely to be life-threatening, ensuring critical awareness of severe risks.
These signs use black text on a white background with a red oval around the word ‘Danger.’
Warning Signs alert individuals to hazards or hazardous conditions that are not life-threatening but still pose risks.
These signs are shaped as yellow triangles with a black symbol such as an exclamation mark.
Emergency Signs indicate the location of, or directions to, emergency facilities such as exits, first aid stations, or safety equipment.
These signs are green rectangles with white symbols or text to provide clear guidance.
Fire Signs are used to indicate the location of fire alarms, extinguishers, hoses, or other firefighting equipment.
These signs feature a red rectangular background with white symbols or text.
Symbol and Text Layout
Symbols should be recognisable and universally understood.
Text must be bold, legible, and in high contrast to the background.
Sizes must ensure visibility from a distance:
Symbols:
Minimum of 15mm per metre of viewing distance.
Text:
Uppercase letters - At least 5mm per metre of viewing distance.
Lowercase letters - At least 4mm per metre of viewing distance.
Placement and Maintenance
Proper placement and maintenance of safety signs are essential to keep workplaces safe, compliant, and free from avoidable risks.
Clear, visible, and well-maintained signs ensure hazards are effectively communicated and legal requirements are met.
Placement Guidelines
Correct placement ensures that safety signs are visible and easily understood.
Follow these recommendations:
At Eye Level
Install signs at a height that aligns with the observer’s natural line of sight to maximise visibility.
Strategic Positioning
Place signs where they are most relevant, such as near hazards, emergency equipment, or restricted areas.
Unobstructed View
Ensure that signs are free from obstructions, such as furniture, equipment, or structural elements.
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining safety signs in good condition is essential for compliance and effectiveness.
Use the following practices to keep your signage functional:
Inspect Regularly:
Perform routine checks—ideally every three months—to identify signs that are damaged, faded, or missing.
Keep Signs Clean:
Remove dirt, dust, or debris from the surface of signs to ensure legibility at all times.
Replace When Necessary:
Promptly replace signs that show signs of wear, damage, or fading to maintain compliance with AS 1319 standards.
Safety Sign Regulations & Compliance in Australia
Ensuring workplace safety starts with compliant signage. Proper signage helps prevent hazards, guide workers, and comply with workplace health and safety (WHS) regulations.
Whether you need signs for construction sites, industrial facilities, warehouses, or public spaces, compliance is key to maintaining a safe and legally compliant environment.
The AS 1319 standard outlines the correct use of safety signs in the workplace, ensuring that all signs are:
✔ Clearly visible and easily understood
✔ Designed to warn of hazards and provide instructions
✔ Appropriate for their intended environment (indoor, outdoor, high-risk areas)
Who Regulates Safety Sign Compliance?
Safety sign compliance is regulated by Safe Work Australia and enforced by state and territory authorities, including:
🔹 WorkSafe Victoria – worksafe.vic.gov.au
🔹 SafeWork NSW – safework.nsw.gov.au
🔹 Workplace Health & Safety QLD – worksafe.qld.gov.au
🔹 WorkSafe WA – worksafe.wa.gov.au
🔹 WorkSafe ACT – worksafe.act.gov.au
🔹 WorkSafe Tasmania – worksafe.tas.gov.au
🔹 NT WorkSafe – worksafe.nt.gov.au
🔹 SafeWork SA – safework.sa.gov.au
Each state may have specific requirements, so it’s important to check the relevant regulations for your location.
Ensure Your Signs Meet Compliance Standards
At Pro Safety Signs, we manufacture AS 1319-compliant signage designed for workplaces, construction sites, and industrial environments. Our signs are:
✔ Manufactured in Australia
✔ Compliant with WHS and AS 1319 standards
✔ Made from durable materials for indoor and outdoor use
✔ Available with reflective finishes, lamination, and anti-graffiti coatings
Need custom signage to meet specific regulations? Contact us today for expert advice and tailored solutions.
How Pro Safety Signs Can Help
At Pro Safety Signs, we ensure your workplace remains safe and compliant with AS 1319.
For expert advice on safety signage and compliance, contact us today. Let us help you create a safe and compliant workplace.
Our services include:
Expert Guidance
Tailored advice to identify your specific signage needs.
Custom Solutions
Design and production of bespoke signs that meet Australian Standards.
High-Quality Materials
Durable, weather-resistant, and reflective options to ensure long-lasting performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About AS 1319
Is compliance with AS 1319 mandatory?
While the standard itself is not legally binding, compliance is often required to meet workplace safety regulations.
Can I customise safety signs for my workplace?
Yes, but customised signs must still adhere to the colour, shape, and text specifications outlined in AS 1319.
How often should safety signs be inspected?
Signs should be inspected at least quarterly to ensure they remain visible and legible. Damaged or faded signs must be replaced immediately.
Get Started with Pro Safety Signs
Let us help you create a safe and compliant workplace. Explore our range of AS 1319-compliant safety signs or get in touch with our team for expert advice.
Contact us today to discuss your safety signage needs and ensure compliance with Australian Standards.