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

WHS regulations require signage in relation to:

  • work in confined spaces (to inform workers that they must not enter the space unless they have a confined space entry permit) 
  • work at heights (safe systems of work including appropriate signs to minimise the risk of falls from heights, if people are working on roofs or other places where there is a risk of falls)
  • preventing unauthorised access to scaffolds while the scaffold is incomplete or unattended
  • lifts (a sign stating the safe working load of the lift must be displayed in a prominent place in the lift)
  • construction sites (signs must display the principal contractor’s name and telephone contact numbers and other associated details)
  • areas adjacent to construction work, over which loads are to be lifted (signs directing pedestrians to use another footpath)
  • hazardous chemicals in pipework (signs must be displayed warning of the hazards), and
  • asbestos removal work and other asbestos-related work (signs must alert persons to the presence of asbestos).

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.