Workplace safety isn't just about having the right equipment and procedures in place, it's also about making sure people clearly understand what's expected of them the moment they step onto a site. One of the simplest yet most powerful tools we have to achieve this is signage. But here's the catch: NOT ALL SAFETY SIGNS MEAN THE SAME THING.
Two of the most commonly confused types are Mandatory Signs and Prohibition Signs. Both are crucial, both save lives, and both are legally required in many circumstances under Australian law, however they do serve very different purposes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Mandatory signs tell you what actions must be taken for safety, while prohibition signs show what actions are strictly forbidden. Together, they form a critical part of workplace compliance under AS 1319:1994 and help Australian businesses protect people, property, and the environment.
So, what's the difference, and how do you ensure your workplace is compliant? Let's dive in.
Why Safety Signs Matter
Safety signs aren't just stickers on walls. They are an essential part of your risk management system. According to Safe Work Australia and the requirements of the Work Helath and Safety (WHS) Act 2011, employers must provide a safe working environment, which includes clear communication of hazards, rules, and procedures.
The Australian Standard AS 1319:1994, Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment sets out how safety signs should look, what they mean, and where they should be used. This standard is referenced by regulators, auditors, and the inspectors across the country, making it the benchmark for compliance.
What Are Mandatory Signs?
DEFINITION:
Mandatory signs are instructions. They tell workers, visitors, and contractors what must be done to maintain safety. Think of them as your "non-negotiables", actions that are compulsory in certain areas or when using certain equipment.
HOW TO RECOGNISE THEM:
- Design: A blue circle with a white pictogram or symbol inside.
- Text (optional): Black lettering on a white background.
- Message: They always express a positive requirement, eg: Wear safety goggles or Hearing protection must be worn.
EXAMPLES IN THE WORKPLACE:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Eye protection must be worn in a welding bay.
- Hard Hats must be worn on a construction site.
Process or Procedure:
- Wash hands before returning to work in food handling areas.
- Use walkway in factories or warehouses.
COMPLIANCE AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
Mandatory signs are alligned with WHS Regulations and industry codes of practice. Eg:
- In areas with hazardous noise above 85dB, the WHS Regulations (Reg. 56) require employers to provide hearing protection, signs must reinforce this obligation.
- In chemical storage facilities, PPE signage ensures compliance with EPA obligations and local council requirements.
In short: if something must be done, you need a mandatory sign.
What Are Prohibition Signs?
DEFINITION:
Prohibition signs, on the other hand, are restrictions. They tell people what must not be done because it could create a danger, dange property, or cause harm to the environment.
HOW TO RECOGNISE THEM:
- Design: A black symbol or pictogram inside a red circle with a diagonal slash (the "no" symbol) on a white background.
- Text (optional): Black lettering underneath the symbol.
- Message: They always express a negative action, such as No smoking or Do not enter.
EXAMPLES IN THE WORKPLACE:
Health and Safety:
- No smoking near flammable liquid storage.
- Do not use mobile phones in refuelling zones.
Access Control:
- No entry without authorisation.
- Forklifts prohibited in pedestrian zones.
COMPLIANCE AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
Prohibition signs are critical for meeting obligations under:
- Work Health and Safety Regulations - particularly around controlling risks of fire, explosion,and hazardous chemical exposure.
- Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) laws - for example, prohibiting dumping into stormwater drains.
- Fire and Emergency Standards - such as restrictions around ignition sources near fuel or gas storage.
If there's something people absolutely cannot do in a space, a prohibition sign must be in place.
Mandatory vs Prohibition Signs: The Key Differences
| Feature | Mandatory Signs | Prohibition Signs |
| Purpose | Tell people what they must do | Tell people what they must not do |
| Design | Blue circle with white pictogram | Red circle with slash and black pictogram |
| Tone | Positive requirement (action) | Negative restriction (ban) |
| Examples | Wear PPE, Wash hands, Use walkway | No smoking, Do not enter, No mobile phones |
| Compliance Role | Reinforce legal duties under WHS to provide PPE and enforce safe practices | Prevent prohibited activities that could create hazards or breach laws |
Together, these two types of signage form a balanced approach: one drives safe behaviour, the other prevents unsafe behaviour.
Why Getting It Right Matters
1. Legal Compliance
Failing to display correct signage can leave a business exposed to fines, penalties, or even prosecution. Inspectors from SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, or other state regulators often issue improvement or prohibition notices when signage is missing or incorrect.
2. Insurance and Liability
In the event of an incident, insurers will look at whether appropriate signage was installed in line with AS 1319:1994. Non-compliance can weaken claims and leave businesses liable.
3. Workplace Culture
Clear signage promotes a safety-first culture. Workers are more likely to comply when instructions are visible and unambiguous. It reduces confusion, boosts morale, and reassures customers and visitors that safety is taken seriously.
4. Environmental Protection
Signs don't just protect people, they protect the environment. A No dumping into drains sign prevents breaches of the Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Act 1997 (NSW), which carries heavy penalties.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make
1. Using the Wrong Type of Sign
For example, putting up a No hard hats, no entry sign instead of a mandatory Hard hats must be worn. The difference may seem subtle, but it can confuse workers and cause non-compliance.
2. Poor Placement
Signs must be positioned where they are easily visible at the point of risk. A No smoking sign hidden behind a door won't help.
3. Mixing Messages
Placing too many signs in one location creates "sign blindness". Workers may ignore them altogether.
4. Outdated or Faded Signs
Over time, signs fade or get damaged. Inspectors expect signage to be well-maintained and legible.
5. DIY Signage
Homemade or improvised signs rarely comply with AS 1319:1994 and may not stand up legally in an investigation.
Best Practices for Compliance
- Refer to AS1319:1994: Always ensure your signs meet the design specifications outlines in the standard.
- Conduct a Site Audit: Walk through your workplace and identify where mandatory and prohibition signs are needed. This should be part of your risk assessment process under the WHS Act.
- Combine with Training: Signs alone aren't enough. Workers should be trained on what they mean and why they matter.
- Regular Inspections: As part of your spill kit, first aid, or general safety inspections, include signage checks.
- Work with a Trusted Supplier: Choose a supplier who understands compliance, uses durable materials, and can provide signage tailored to your industry.
Industries Where Signage is Critical
- CONSTRUCTION - Hard hats, high-vis, restricted access areas.
- WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS - Forklift zones, pedestrian walkways, PPE areas.
- MANUFACTURING - Noise zones, chemical storage, machine safety.
- HOSPITALITY & FOOD PRODUCTION - Hand-washing, hygiene practices, no smoking areas.
- TRANSPORT & FUEL - No mobile phones, PPE at refuelling points, no smoking.
- ENVIRONMENTAL & WASTE MANAGEMENT - No dumping, PPE zones, restricted entry.
Every industry has unique risks, but the principle remains the same: correct signage is non-negotiable.
How Super Spill & Safety Solutions Can Help
At Super Spill & Safety Solutions, we're more than just suppliers, we're your partners in compliance. Since 2012, we have helped businesses across Australia meet their safety obligations with tailored products, inspections, and training.
- Compliance Expertise: All signage complies with AS1319:1994 and relevant EPA and WHS requirements.
- Custom Solutions: We provide industry-specific signage packages that align with your workplace risks.
- On-site Services: Our technicians check and update signage as part of our spill kit servicing, first aid checks and safety inspections.
- Fast Turnaround: Need signs urgently? Our "safety superheroes" deliver super-fast service nationwide!
When you partner with us, you don't just tick a compliance box, you build a safer, more efficent workplace that protects, people, property, and the planet.
Getting signage right isn't just a regulatory obligation. it's an investment in your people and your reputaion.
So, next time you walk through your site, take a moment to notice the signs around you. Are they clear? Are they compliant? Are they doing their job? If not, it might be time to call in your safety superheroes at Super Spill & Safety Solutions.
