Quick Guide to Construction Safety Signs

Specific health and safety laws that concern construction sites in Australia require that people on or near construction sites are warned of all hazardous activities taking place before any construction work begins. Builders and site managers must ensure that an adequate number of general construction safety signs, depending on the size and complexity of the job site, are erected at the workplace. Adhering to the rules and regulations in regards to safety signs will ensure you avoid fines and non-compliance.

To make it easy to identify construction safety signs, there are 4 broad categories:

Mandatory signs
Mandatory construction safety signs indicate that an instruction must be carried out. All mandatory signs can be identified by a blue circle with a white picture within. They are used to designate required safety equipment within a certain area, or to communicate an action that must be carried out. Examples include: ear or eye protection required, hard hat zone, dust mask or respirator required, switch off after use, wash hands, use protective clothing, keep locked etc.

Warning signs
Warning signs are used to warn of a hazard or a hazardous condition that is not likely to be life-threatening. Warning signs can be identified by a yellow background.
Examples include: flammable material, slippery when wet, heavy equipment zone, work overhead, low voltage electricity, asbestos present, falling hazard, toxic vapour present etc.

Danger signs
Danger signs are used to warn of a particular hazard or hazardous condition that is likely to be life-threatening. Signs in this category incorporate the word ‘danger’ in white letters on a red oval shape against a black background.
Examples include: high voltage, radiation present, crane working overhead, deep excavation, asbestos removal process, danger of explosion, confined space etc.

Emergency
Emergency signs are used to indicate the location of, or directions to, emergency-related facilities such as exits, safety equipment or first aid facilities. General emergency information signs can be identified by a green square with white writing or pictures.

Don’t get an unnecessary fine for not displaying adequate safety signage on your job site. Give Mesh Direct a call on 1300 368 978 to see how we can help you with your branded construction safety signs. We print our branded safety signs on corflute which is a hardwearing and waterproof substrate which is ideal for construction safety signs.