The purpose of health and safety signs is to prevent accidents, identify health hazards, locate safety and fire protection equipment and give guidance and instruct on in emergency procedures. Glassmetal Industries’ safety signs have been designed to comply with the standard AS1319-1994. The company’s signs give a clear, unambiguous message to anybody who may be exposed to hazards in the workplace.

Signs should be located at eye height and clear of any obstructions as well as being in a position and of a size that they can be seen by as many people as possible. They must also carry an appropriate, succinct message in relation to the relevant danger. Although commonsense dictates the position and size of signs, the choice of sign type to install is not always straightforward.

The type of sign used must always be suitable for the purpose. AS1319-1994 specifies several classifications of sign design and layouts.

Regulatory signs

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These include Prohibition, Mandatory and Limitation or Restriction signs. These signs contain instructions with which failure to comply constitutes an offence of law or company policies

Prohibition signs indicate an action or activity that is not permitted. The designated design for prohibition sign is a red circle with a diagonal red bar printed over an image of the action that is forbidden. The background colour is white and any text is black.

Mandatory signs indicate that an instruction must be carried out, such as wearing eye protection. The design for these signs is a blue circle printed beneath a white image of the action that is obligatory. As with prohibition signs, the background colour is white and any text is black.

Limitation or Restriction signs place a numerical or other defined limit on an activity or use of a facility. The design for this type of sign is a red circle on a white background. Speed limit signs would be a common example of this sign design.

Hazard signs

These advise of hazards and are subdivided into Danger signs and Warning signs.

Danger signs are signs which warn of a hazard or hazardous condition that is likely to be life threatening. On a sign with a white background the word danger is printed in white on a red oval that is cantered on a black rectangle. A description of the danger is printed below in black text.

Warning signs warn of a hazard or hazardous condition that is not likely to be life threatening. The design of these signs is a black image of the hazard which is centred within a black triangle on a yellow background.

Emergency Information signs

Emergency Information signs indicate the location of, or direction to, emergency related facilities such as exits, safety equipment or first aid equipment. These signs have a white symbol and or text on a green background.

Fire Signs

These advise on the location of fire alarms and fire fighting facilities. Fire signs have a white symbol and or text on a red background.

One other important aspect of OH&S signs is that they must be kept in a good condition. Glassmetal enamel signs will retain their image for twice as long as any other sign type, not only protecting employees but also saving considerably on replacing worn and faded signs that no longer comply with the standard.

Glassmetal Industries has been manufacturing signs for over 100 years and during this time has developed a wealth of knowledge regarding OH&S signs. The company manufactures off the shelf health and safety signs, and is always willing to help on any signage requirements.

The company’s signs give a clear, unambiguous message to anybody who may be exposed to hazards in the workplace.