Safety signs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - and with a variety of signal words, too. Did you know that there's a difference between "Warning" and "Danger" signs?
As stockists of all Brady Australia signs (with over 460 signs on our website!) we can guarantee that no matter what you need, we can get you a sign for it. Not sure what you need? Read on for an overview of what different signs mean to you and contact us.
Danger Signs:
Danger signs are intended for anything that could kill you, and mark an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. These signs - marked by the Danger symbol in a red oval and white text - tell you about things like chemical storage or high voltage areas with heavy risks for anybody in the area. The moment you see one of these, strongly consider heading the other way.
Warning Signs:
Warning signs are the little brothers of danger signs. These signs mark hazardous situations that, if not avoided, could result in serious injury. With the hazard symbol in black on a yellow background, these signs tell you to tread with caution.
While their warning is unlikely to be life-threatening, it's still not something to be taken lightly. These tell you to beware of vehicles or of sharp edges. Even though they probably won't kill you, none of us want to lose a finger or two if we don't have to.
Prohibition Signs:
Prohibition signs specify behaviours or actions which are not permitted. Signified with the red annulus and slash over the action symbol(s) in black, these distinctive and familiar signs just tell you what you aren't allowed to do in an area.
Keep in mind that just because it's only a prohibition sign doesn't mean there's not a serious reason for it - this multi-message danger and prohibition sign is proof enough of that. Be it a no walking or standing on conveyor sign or a no entry without a confined space permit sign, they're all for the safety of yourself and others. Follow them to the letter.
Mandatory Signs:
Mandatory signs are the twin of prohibition signs, and communicate important information and/or instructions that must be carried out. With white symbols on a blue circle, they're easy to see and easy to follow.
These instructions are very rarely without good cause - eye protection could very well prevent you from going blind or losing an eye, and hearing protection can prevent things like deafness or tinnitus. Following these instructions is a sure-fire way to improve the chances you come home without any new injuries or conditions to report.
Emergency Signs:
Emergency signs are informative signs that indicate the location of, or direction to, emergency related facilities. With a white symbol and/or text on a green background, these signs tell you anything from where to find your emergency eye wash to your first aid station. You don't want to cut your hand open and have no idea where to find a bandage.
Fire Signs:
Fire signs bring the heat with information about fire alarms and fire-fighting equipment. With their obvious white symbol and/or text on red backgrounds, these signs often signify the location of fire extinguishers or fire hydrant & hose reels. The value of these go without saying - never leave finding your fire safety equipment up to chance or memory.
How are signs regulated?
The AS 1319-1994 Australian Standard sets out the requirements for the design and use of safety signs intended for use in the occupational environment. These signs are designed to regulate and control safety related behaviour, to warn of hazards and to provide emergency information including fire protection information. All of the signs listed above follow these guidelines stringently, and we guarantee quality in every sign we provide.
Custom Signs:
As expansive as the range of signs can be, sometimes there's just nothing that suits your needs quite right. When this happens, contact us and we'll be happy to organise whatever you need. No matter how big or how small, we're more than happy to do everything we can to improve your workplace. Anything from custom name badges to lists of company rules and standards are available for you to design and use.
More than that, Brady Australia has such a wide catalogue that we can't possibly put it all online, but we can get it for you. If you're unsure, contact us and we can guide you through the steps to figure out whatever you need.
Material
Something to keep in mind while picking your sign is that the material the sign is made of can massively effect its longevity and effectiveness. While every sign we sell is made of quality material, not all signs are suitable for the same tasks.
Polypropylene:
Polypropylene (referred to as 'Poly') is an excellent and popular choice. Made from over 50% recycled material with a certified carbon neutral rating, this 1.4mm UV stablised semi-rigid sign is perfect for indoor or outdoor use. It has high resistance to fading and cracking, and lasts 3-5 years outdoors on average. Being good for the environment on top of being an excellent sign material makes it clear why poly signs are so popular.
Metal:
Metal is the tried-and-true standard, with a strong 0.6mm thick and rigid sign being perfect for tough conditions like the windy outdoors. This material complies with Steel Manufacturing Standards AS/NZS 1365 and AS 1397, and has a nice 5-8 year lifespan to give you bang for your buck.
Self-Adhesive Vinyl:
This flexible self-adhesive material is made to adhere to virtually any clean and dry surface. With a miniscule 0.11mm thickness, this material is excellent for sticking to flat or softly curved textures where a more typical sign wouldn't do the job.
Self-adhesive vinyl stickers are suitable for indoor or outdoor conditions, with an estimated lifespan of 3-5 years, and are highly recommended to stick on poles or equipment.
Brady Ultratuff:
Brady Ultratuff is a potential addendum to all Brady Metal or Poly signs. A transparent protective overlaminate film made from a high grade polyester, it offers increased UV and abrasive resistance with the added bonus of graffiti protection.
This layering makes signs far more capable of surviving harsh outdoor conditions, particularly areas exposed to abrasive chemicals, extensive UV or the likelihood of graffiti. Not a necessity for all signs, but life-saving for those that need it.
For further details, view the Brady Signs Lexicon Guide or the Brady Signs Material Guide here
