Safety signs play a critical role in workplace safety and public hazard awareness. Two of the most common safety signs are Warning Signs and Danger Signs.

Understanding their differences is essential for hazard communication, workplace compliance, and accident prevention.

In Australia, safety signage is regulated under AS 1319:1994 – Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment (Standards Australia).

This standard defines the correct usage, colours, and symbols for safety signs to ensure compliance in workplaces, construction sites, and public areas.

What Are the Warning Signs?

Warning signs indicate potential hazards that require caution. Used in workplaces and public areas, they warn of risks like slippery floors or moving machinery.

Designed with a yellow background and black symbols, they comply with AS 1319:1994 and help prevent accidents by ensuring hazard awareness.

Features of Warning Signs

• Design: Yellow background with black text or symbols, often triangular or diamond.
• Risk Level: Indicates a medium level of risk, where caution is advised.
• AS 1319 Compliance: Used to warn against non-life-threatening hazards in workplaces.

Examples of Warning Signs

At K2K Signs, we provide a range of Warning Signs, including:

• Caution: Slippery When Wet – Alerts people to slippery surfaces to prevent falls.
• Forklifts in Use Sign– Indicates areas where forklifts are in use, cautioning pedestrians and operators.
• Low Headroom – Warns of low clearance areas to prevent head injuries.

What Are Danger Signs?

Danger Signs indicate immediate hazards that pose a high risk of severe injury or death. They demand urgent attention and strict compliance.

Features of Danger Signs

• Design: The word "DANGER" appears in white text within a red oval, typically rectangular, on a black background.
• Risk Level: High risk – failure to comply may result in death or serious injury.
• AS 1319 Compliance: This is required for life-threatening hazards in Australian workplaces.

Examples of Danger Signs

Danger Signs include:

• Danger: High Voltage – Warns of electrical areas where fatal electric shocks can occur.
• Danger: Confined Space – Indicates areas with restricted entry, posing risks such as suffocation or entrapment.
• Danger: Asbestos - This alerts individuals to the presence of asbestos, a hazardous material that can cause severe health issues.

Key Differences Between Warning and Danger Signs

Australian Safety Sign Regulations (AS 1319:1994)

In Australia, workplace safety signage is governed by AS 1319:1994 – Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment (Standards Australia).

AS 1319 Sign Categories

• Regulatory Signs – Enforce workplace rules (e.g., No Smoking).
• Hazard Signs – Include Warning Signs (medium risk) and Danger Signs (high risk).
• Emergency Information Signs – Indicate emergency exits, first aid, and fire safety.

AS 1319 Compliance for Warning & Danger Signs

• Warning Signs: Used where a hazard is present but not life-threatening.
• Danger Signs: Used where failure to comply can result in death.

Businesses that fail to comply with AS 1319 may face legal penalties and increased workplace accident risks.

Why is Proper Sign Usage Important?

Proper sign usage ensures workplace safety, legal compliance, and clear hazard communication. AS 1319:1994 requires businesses to use Warning Signs for moderate risks and Danger Signs for life-threatening hazards. 

Failure to comply can lead to injuries, legal penalties, and non-compliance with WorkSafe Australia. Clear signage reduces accidents and ensures safe navigation.

Get AS 1319-Compliant Safety Signs from K2K Signs.

At K2K Signs, we specialise in Australian-standard-compliant safety signs, which help businesses enhance workplace safety and meet legal requirements.

FAQs

1. When should I use a Warning Sign instead of a Danger Sign?

Use a Warning Sign when the hazard is moderate (e.g., slippery floors, forklifts in operation). Use a Danger Sign when the hazard could cause death or serious injury (e.g., high voltage, asbestos exposure).

2. Are Warning and Danger Signs legally required in Australia?

Yes! According to AS 1319:1994, businesses must use the appropriate safety signs to ensure workplace compliance and hazard communication.

3. What happens if I don’t use the correct safety sign?

Failing to use the correct safety sign can result in fines, legal penalties, and increased workplace injuries. Non-compliance with WorkSafe Australia regulations can lead to legal action, liability claims, and safety risks for employees and visitors.

4. Do safety signs need to be a specific size in Australia?

Yes, AS 1319:1994 requires safety signs to be visible and legible from at least 15 meters away, depending on the environment. Symbols and text also must be readable under standard lighting to ensure hazard communication conditions.

5. Where should Warning and Danger Signs be placed?

Warning Signs should be placed near moderate hazards, such as machinery and pedestrian zones, to warn of potential risks. Danger Signs must be at entry points to high-risk areas, like electrical rooms and hazardous material storage, where non-compliance could cause serious injury or death.