The Australian Safety Standard AS 1319 governs how safety signs are designed, manufactured, and used in occupational environments. Did you know that non-compliant signage can invalidate safety procedures and lead to significant WHS fines?
Whether you are setting up a new warehouse or auditing an existing construction site, purchasing signs that don't meet the correct colour, size, or symbol requirements is a major safety risk. This comprehensive guide ensures your signage strategy is 100% compliant and effective.
1. The Five Main Classifications of AS 1319
AS 1319 classifies signs into five distinct categories, each identifiable by its unique colour and shape. Understanding these differences is the foundation of compliant signage.
Mandatory Signs (Blue Circle)
- Purpose: Identifies actions that MUST be carried out.
- Design: Blue background, white graphical symbol/icon.
- Examples: 'Eye Protection Must Be Worn', 'Safety Harness Required Beyond This Point'.
- Shop Now: View Mandatory Signs
Prohibition Signs (Red Circle)
- Purpose: Identifies actions that MUST NOT be carried out.
- Design: White background, red circle and diagonal slash over a black symbol.
- Examples: 'No Smoking', 'Do Not Enter', 'No Pedestrian Access'.
- Shop Now: View Prohibition Signs
Warning Signs (Yellow Triangle)
- Purpose: Alerts staff to hazards or hazardous conditions that are NOT life-threatening.
- Design: Yellow background, black border, and black symbol/text.
- Examples: 'Caution Wet Floor', 'Hazardous Voltage', 'Forklift Traffic'.
- Shop Now: View Warning Signs
Emergency Information Signs (Green Square/Rectangle)
- Purpose: Indicates the location of first aid and emergency equipment.
- Design: Green background, white symbol/text.
- Examples: 'First Aid Post', 'Emergency Exit', 'Eye Wash Station'.
- Shop Now: View Emergency Information Signs
Fire Safety Signs (Red Square/Rectangle)
- Purpose: Identifies the location of fire alarms and firefighting equipment.
- Design: Red background, white symbol/text.
- Examples: 'Fire Extinguisher', 'Fire Hose Reel', 'Fire Alarm'.
- Shop Now: View Fire Safety Signs
2. Critical Compliance Requirements Beyond Colour
Simply having the right colour isn't enough. AS 1319 also dictates key physical and visibility standards:
A. Size, Viewing Distance, and Visibility
The size of the sign must correspond to the maximum distance from which it needs to be read. As a rule, signs viewed from a greater distance (e.g., across a large factory floor) must use larger text and symbols.
B. Durability and Materials
Signs used outdoors or in high-impact environments (like manufacturing or mining) must be constructed from materials that resist UV light, chemicals, and abrasion. We strongly recommend using high-quality polypropylene or metal for maximum longevity and compliance.
C. The Use of Symbols and Text
While symbols are critical, AS 1319 mandates that text is used to clarify the symbol's meaning, especially for Warning and Prohibition signs, to avoid any ambiguity in the safety message.
3. Location, Illumination, and Placement
A compliant sign must be placed in a conspicuous position. This means:
- It must be at an appropriate height (usually eye-level).
- It cannot be obscured by equipment, doors, or other objects.
- It must be illuminated, especially in low-light areas like underground tunnels or darkened warehouses.
For exit routes or areas where power may fail, Photoluminescent Signs (which absorb light and glow in the dark) must be used to guide staff to safety.
Shop Now: Shop Glow-in-the-Dark / Photoluminescent Signs
Ensure Your Site is Fully Compliant Today
Don't risk the safety of your team or compliance fines. 1st Safety offers a complete range of Australian-made signs that adhere to every requirement of AS 1319.
Browse All AS 1319 Compliant Signs
1st Safety is based in Auburn, NSW, and supplies AS/NZS-compliant PPE to trades, construction, and industrial businesses across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the five sign classifications under AS 1319?
AS 1319 defines five categories: Mandatory (blue circle), Prohibition (red circle), Warning (yellow triangle), Emergency Information (green square/rectangle), and Fire Safety (red square/rectangle).
What does a blue circular safety sign mean?
Blue circular signs are Mandatory signs — they identify actions that must be carried out, such as 'Eye Protection Must Be Worn' or 'Safety Harness Required Beyond This Point'.
Do AS 1319 signs need text as well as symbols?
Yes. AS 1319 mandates that text is used to clarify the symbol's meaning, especially for Warning and Prohibition signs, to avoid ambiguity in the safety message.
What type of sign is required for exit routes in case of power failure?
Photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) signs must be used for exit routes and areas where power may fail, so staff can still find their way to safety.