What are Australian Standards?
Australian Standards are documents developed by Standards Australia which set out specifications, procedures and guidelines that aim to ensure products, services and systems are safe, consistent and reliable.
You can find out more about the development of standards and the work of Standards Australia Limited by visiting their website at http://www.standards.org.au.
Do I have to comply with Australian Standards?
Whilst compliance with Standards published by Standards Australia is generally voluntary, it is of course mandatory to comply with any Standards that are referred to in State and Commonwealth legislation. It is also important to note that compliance with Standards may also be relevant to a Court when determining whether a duty holder has complied with the applicable Work Health and Safety Act.
At Safetysigns.com.au, we do the hard work for you by ensuring that all our safety signs comply with the relevant Australian Standards. This ensures that you get it right the first time, meet your workplace health and safety obligations and avoid a potentially costly signage replacement program in the event of changes in legislation.
What is the Standard relating to Safety Signs?
The main Australian Standard which relates to Safety Signs is AS 1319 – Safety signs for the occupational environment.
What are the requirements of AS 1319?
AS 1319 sets out the requirements for the design and use of safety signs intended for use in the occupational environment to:
- regulate and control safety related behaviour;
- warn of hazards; and
- provide emergency information including fire protection information.
AS 1319 does not include ‘Exit’ signs of the type specified in AS 2293.1 for use inside buildings.
A brief description of the 6 types of safety signs covered by AS 1319 is as follows:
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Australian Standard 1319 specifies that Danger Signs should be used to warn of a particular hazard or hazardous condition that is likely to be life-threatening. For all non life-threatening conditions a Warning Sign should be used. Danger Signs are to incorporate the word ‘Danger’ in white letters on a red oval inside a black background. |
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Australian Standard 1319 specifies that Emergency Information Signs should indicate the location of, or directions to, emergency related facilities such as exits, safety equipment or first aid facilities. Emergency Information Signs shall comprise a white symbol or words (or both) on a green rectangular sign. |
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Australian Standard 1319 specifies that Fire Signs should advise the location of fire alarms and fire fighting facilities. Fire Signs shall comprise a red rectangular sign with a white symbol or words (or both). |
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Australian Standard 1319 specifies that Mandatory Signs should be used to indicate that an instruction should be carried out. These signs usually incorporate the word MUST in the message. Mandatory Signs are to have a white symbol within a blue disc. |
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Australian Standard 1319 specifies that Prohibition Signs should be used to indicate that an action or activity is not permitted. Prohibition Signs are to have a white background with a red annulus and slash symbol. |
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Australian Standard 1319 specifies that Warning Signs should be used to warn of a hazard or hazardous condition that is not likely to be life threatening. For all life threatening conditions a Danger Sign should be used. Warning Signs shall comprise the yellow triangle with a black exclamation mark. |
