WHS hazard signs and safety symbols

Posted by SkillMaker in Nov, 2014

What are WHS hazard signs and safety symbols?

WHS hazard signs and safety symbols is the use of appropriate signage to inform people of hazardous areas, where there is restricted access and to reduce risks to staff, employees and to people that are in a location that could be a threat to safety and well-being. Hazard signs and safety symbols may also prevent entry by unauthorized personnel.

What is the purpose of WHS hazard signs and safety symbols?

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide information for the application of regulatory and hazard signage in accordance with the requirements of the following legislations

Dangerous Goods Act (1985)
Gene Technology Act (2000)
Quarantine Act (1908)
Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) and associated Victorian regulations and the;
Australian Standard 1319:1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment and;
OHSAS 18001:2007 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems- Requirements.

WHS Hazard Signs and Safety Symbols were created for the purpose of following legislations created for the safety and well-being of workers, students, employees and people located in a particular area. These are in accordance of The Dangerous Goods Act of 1985, Gene Technology Act of 2000, Quarantine Act of 1908, Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2004 and associated Victorian regulations, Australian Standard 1319:1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment and the OHSAS 18001 1:2007 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Requirements.

What are the different types of WHS hazard signs and safety symbols?

Hazard Signs

Hazard signs are designated signs that advise of hazards. They are subdivided as follows:

Danger signs – signs warning of a particular hazard or hazardous condition that is likely to be life-threatening.
Warning signs – signs warning of a hazard or hazardous condition that is not likely to be life threatening.

Safety Signs

When it comes to safety signs, there are three main types of signs used in the workplace:

Picture signs using symbols or pictures – these are signs without any words or messages but contain only pictures. A no entry sign is an example; this sign indicates that the area is a restricted area and people that have no business in the area should keep out.

Signs with only text based messages – sometimes signs need to be more direct and less confusing. Therefore so that the message won’t be confusing, a direct message written in bold letters and readable font is used. An exit only sign is an example.

Picture signs with a short message – this is a safety sign that intends to be communicated better since there are images to indicate what the person needs to be done and there is also a message to directly tell the person what he should do.

What are the components or elements of WHS hazard signs and safety symbols?

Workplace inspections should be done so that requires all areas to be inspected periodically. During these inspections all existing regulatory and hazard signage should be reviewed. Signage must:

conform to Australian Standards and, where appropriate, use symbols as well as written warnings;
contain appropriate warning and hazard information;
be clear in purpose, visible and readable;
be in good condition; and
Not block vision through door vision windows.

Where multiple signs are present, ensure all signs are necessary and that the information is not conflicting or contradictory.

What terms are used when implementing WHS hazard signs and safety symbols?

There are several terms used in implementing WHS hazard signs and safety symbols and the most important is determining which signs are used as danger signs an which ones are warning signs.

Danger signs – signs warning of a particular hazard or hazardous condition that is likely to be life-threatening.
Warning signs – signs warning of a hazard or hazardous condition that is not likely to be life threatening.

Different industries and organisations have different danger and warning signs. Therefore one may find a completely different set of signage in a factory or manufacturing plant while there are totally different signs in a school or university.