Australian Safety Signs - Understanding AS 1319-1994 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment

Safety Sign Classification and Use

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With regard to the Australian Safety Sign Standard AS1319-1994, Safety signs are classified and should be used according to their function as follows:

(a) Regulatory signs Signs containing instructions with which failure to comply

constitutes either an offence at law, or a breach of standing orders, safety

procedures or other directions, depending on which kind of control has been

imposed at the work site or workplace. They are subdivided as follows:

(i) Prohibition signs Signs that indicate that an action or activity is not

permitted.

(ii) Mandatory signs Signs that indicate that an instruction must be carried out.

(iii) Limitation or restriction signs Signs that place a numerical or other defined

limit on an activity or use of a facility.

NOTE: No limitation or restriction signs are given in this Standard. However, the commonly

used speed limit sign (see AS 1742.1, Sign No. R4-1) will often be encountered in the

workplace.

(b) Hazard signs Signs advising of hazards. They are subdivided as follows:

(i) DANGER signs Signs warning of a particular hazard or hazardous condition

that is likely to be life-threatening.

(ii) Warning signs Signs warning of a hazard or hazardous condition that is not

likely to be life-threatening.

NOTE: The term caution used in earlier editions of this Standard has now been replaced by

the term warning (see Preface). The two terms are regarded as being interchangeable.

emergency related facilities such as exits, safety equipment or first aid facilities.

NOTE: The Standard excludes EXIT signs of the type specified in AS 2293.1 for use inside

buildings.

(d) Fire signs Signs advising the location of fire alarms and fire-fighting facilities.

Part 2 - Warning Signs

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Warning signs, like Danger Signs, are a member of the Hazard Signs classification.. Warning signs are designed to warn of a hazard or hazardous condition that is NOT likely to be life-threatening.

In earlier editions of the standard (AS1319) the term "Caution" was used. It has been replaced by the term "Warning" but both terms are now regarded as being interchangeable.

4.2.3 Regulatory and hazard signs.
Regulatory and hazard signs should be so sited in
relation to a particular hazard as to allow a person ample time after first viewing the sign

to heed the warning. This distance will vary, e.g. signs warning against the touching of

switches or other electrical equipment should be placed close to the equipment, whereas

signs used in plant yards or on construction work should be placed sufficiently in advance

of the hazard to permit the warning to be perceived before the hazard is reached.

Australian Safety Signs have taken all possible care whilst designing our Warning Signs. Safety Officers, Education Departments and other Government Bureaus and Sign manufacturing professionals have also taken advantage of our Professional Danger Sign Vector Art.

#SafetySignStandards #AS13191994 #AustralianSafetySigns

Part 1 - Danger Signs

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Over the years we have had many inquiries regarding the correct use of Danger Signs in the workplace.

The standard is definitive when it comes to the design and use of Danger Signs. This category of sign is ONLY to be used IF there is a likelihood of fatality should the message be ignored. Danger Signs are a member of the Hazard Signs classification.

Section 3 (3.1c) Design of Signs

Danger Signs shall have word legends only (no symbols) and shall conform with the requirements of Clause 2.3.4.

2.3.4 DANGER signs

Signs in this category are of a special design which incorporates the word DANGER in white letters on a red symbolic oval shape. The signs shall comprise a white rectangle with black enclosure and white surround with the DANGER symbol on a black background placed above or to the left of the white rectangle, generally as shown in the examples in Figure 2.6, and as specified in Appendix C. The legend within the white rectangle shall comprise a worded warning message in black letters. Symbols are not used on DANGER signs.

NOTE: The messages on DANGER signs are confined to the warning of a hazard or hazardous condition which is likely to be life-threatening (see Clause 2.1(b)).

If a symbolic sign is required in conjunction with a DANGER sign, it shall be a separate sign placed beside or below the DANGER sign.

3.4 SIGN SIZE, LEGEND AND LEGIBILITY

Recommended minimum size are as follows:

(a) Signs in a factory or yard environment, where lighting is good and signs are

mounted in reasonably prominent positions:

Symbolic sign size: 15 mm per metre of viewing distance.

Letter size:

Upper case: 5 mm per metre of viewing distance.

Lower case: 4 mm per metre of viewing distance.

NOTE: The above letter and sign sizes are approximately twice those required for legibility

alone. This recommendation is based on the need to provide more prominent legends where

signs will not always be within the observer’s field of view.

(b) Signs in poor lighting conditions, not likely to fall readily into the observer’s line of

sight, or are otherwise likely to be placed in less conspicuous positions—increase

legend sizes in Item (a) by 50 percent.

Did you know that the Standard also contains rules for the timely removal of Danger Signs when they are no longer required?
It also covers information on the specific colours to be used when manufacturing Safety Signs.

Unfortunately, the standard remains out of reach to many in the sign manufacturing industry.

This can be attributed to a number of reasons.

The high cost of obtaining a copy of the standard
Inability to navigate the standard and to fully understand its meanings.
The number of cross referencing to other standards.

but what it all boils down to is this, the standard exists, and for that reason creating or using a Danger sign that does not adhere to the guidelines will expose manufacturers and their clients alike to liability should the worst happen as a result of poor design, construction and installation of your Danger Sign.

Australian Safety Signs have taken all possible care whilst designing our Danger Signs. Safety Officers, Education Departments and other Government Bureaus and Sign manufacturing professionals have also taken advantage of our Professional Danger Sign Vector Art.

#SafetySignStandards #AS13191994 #AustralianSafetySigns