Safety signs are a fundamental aspect of workplace safety, ensuring that employees and visitors are informed of potential hazards and safe practices. However, the effectiveness of safety signs goes beyond just choosing the right sign. Proper placement of safety signs is crucial for their success in preventing accidents and ensuring safety.
This guide will discuss the key factors to consider when placing safety signs in your workplace to ensure they provide maximum impact and comply with Australian standards.
Why Placement of Safety Signs is Crucial
The primary purpose of safety signage is to communicate hazards, necessary precautions, and safe practices clearly and promptly. Even the most well-designed workplace safety signs can lose their effectiveness if they are not placed in the correct locations. If signs are hidden or hard to see, workers may not respond to warnings in time, potentially leading to accidents or injuries.
Key factors to consider for the placement of safety signs include visibility, accessibility, and context. Here's how to approach this critical task.
1. Ensure High Visibility
The first rule of safety sign placement is ensuring the sign is visible to everyone who may need to see it. Caution signs, like the standard yellow hazard triangle, should be installed in areas with high foot traffic or near potential hazards. These signs use bright colours that attract attention and are visible from a distance.
Key placement areas include:
- Entrance and Exit Points: Install signs near entrances, exits, and emergency exits to guide people safely. For example, mandatory safety equipment signs should be placed at entry points to restricted areas.
- Hazardous Areas: Place warning signs in areas where workers are most likely to encounter risks, such as machinery rooms, loading docks, or chemical storage areas.
2. Follow Australian Standards for Compliance
In Australia, safety signs must comply with specific regulations, such as AS 1319:1994 - the Australian Standard for the design, use, and placement of safety signs. These regulations ensure all safety signs are clear, effective, and universally understood.
Standard requirements include:
- Size and Format: Safety signs must be sized appropriately based on viewing distance. For example, emergency exit signs should be visible from at least 20 meters away.
- Standard Symbols and Text: Use internationally recognised symbols like the red prohibition circle for "No Entry" or the blue mandatory action circle for required behaviors.
3. Install Signs at Eye Level
For optimal visibility and effectiveness, safety signs should be installed at eye level (approximately 1.5-1.7 meters from the floor). This ensures they are easy to spot and read, even from a distance. In areas with tall equipment or high ceilings, consider using larger signs or mounting them slightly lower.
Strategic placement includes:
- Common Areas: Position emergency evacuation signs at eye level in break rooms, hallways, and common spaces.
- Workstations: Mount hazard warning signs at eye level near machinery or dangerous equipment, ensuring constant visibility.
4. Consider Traffic Flow and Accessibility
The placement of safety signs must account for the flow of people and vehicles.
Consider these factors:
- Pedestrian and Vehicle Pathways: Install clear directional signs along walkways and vehicle lanes to prevent collisions.
- Hazardous Zones: Place prominent warning signs at entrances to dangerous areas, using the standard yellow warning triangle with appropriate hazard symbols.
5. Use Multiple Signs for Maximum Coverage
In large or complex areas, use multiple signs to ensure consistent communication:
- Directional Signs: Use green emergency exit signs with arrows at regular intervals leading to emergency exits.
- Emergency Equipment: Place first aid signs near medical equipment and fire safety signs near extinguishers.
6. Regularly Inspect and Update Signs
Maintain sign effectiveness through:
- Routine Inspections: Check signs monthly for damage, fading, or obstruction.
- Workplace Changes: Update signage when layouts change, or new hazards are identified.
Proper safety sign placement is essential for ensuring a safe and compliant workplace. By following these best practices and using standardised safety signs, you can significantly improve workplace safety awareness. Remember to regularly review and update your safety signage system to maintain its effectiveness and compliance with current regulations.
