Every business needs to comply with work health and safety regulations on signage.

WHS Regulations mandate signage in several specific situations. These include:

 

1. Confined Spaces

Before and during any confined space work, you must display signs that:

  • Identify the confined space

  • Warn workers not to enter without a valid entry permit

  • Are clear and placed at every entry point

 

2. Scaffolds

Incomplete or unattended scaffolding must have signage to prevent unauthorised access. This helps protect workers and the public from potential falls or structural instability. 

 

3. Lifts and Hoists

A sign that clearly displays the safe working load must be placed prominently inside the lift. This requirement helps ensure users do not exceed weight limits, which could compromise safety.

 

4. Construction Sites

Principal contractors must display signage showing:

  • Their business name

  • Contact phone numbers

  • Other relevant site details

This helps identify who is responsible for site safety.

 

5. Areas Where Loads Are Being Lifted

Where machinery lifts loads over pedestrian areas, signs must direct people away from the hazard and onto a safer route.

 

6. Hazardous Chemicals in Pipework

Pipes containing hazardous chemicals must be clearly identified, often through signage or other markings, to warn workers of the associated risks.

 

7. Asbestos Removal Work

Asbestos removal or asbestos‑related work must be clearly signposted to warn people of the hazard and prevent access to dangerous areas. [sprintlaw.com.au]

 

Work environment signage

The Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities notes that the location of exits should be clearly marked and signs should be posted to show the direction to exit doors to aid emergency evacuation.

 

Signs for fire-fighting equipment

There are no specific legislative requirements under WHS laws for signage in relation to fire extinguishers or fire blankets. It is, of course, good practice to indicate the location of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, fire hoses etc.

The absence of specific legislative requirements in relation to these means there is no reason why such signs should not be painted directly onto walls, provided they are suitably positioned and large enough for easy visibility. 

Australian Standard 1319-1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment  sets out recommendations 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.

This does not have the force of legislation in other words, its requirements are not mandatory unless it is specifically called up in regulations. However, it is a good guide to best practice.

This standard states that fire signs indicating the location of fire equipment and fire alarms should comprise of a white legend and a border with a red rectangle.

Fire extinguisher and fire blanket signs are covered in Australian Standard 2444-2001 Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets – Selection and location.

More information about suitable signage for fire extinguishers, fire blankets, smoking etc is available from commercial providers of such signs, e.g. SafetySigns.com.au. 

 

No smoking signs

Since 2015, mandatory prescribed ‘No Smoking’ signage must be displayed within a commercial outdoor dining area in NSW.

The hospitality guidelines produced by NSW Health in 2015,  Smoke-free commercial outdoor dining: A guide for licensed venues, restaurants and cafes, provide guidance on signage requirements for smoking.