Construction

Prohibition Signs
Restriction Signs
Emergency Signs
Placement of Signs

Common Industry Signage

The construction industry uses signs and symbols to convey information.  It is important that the signs quickly convey the required information.  To assist with this, standard signs are used.  Some examples of the types of signs used are shown below.

Some signs have their meaning shown. Others have the meaning hidden. 
Test yourself to see if you know the meaning of the sign before clicking on the answer

	Border	Background	Symbol / Text	Notes
Prohibition Signs		Water not suitable for drinking		Click here for answer
	Red	White	Black
Mandatory Signs		Face shields must be worn		Click here for answer
	White	Blue	White
Restriction signs		Speed limited to 10 kph
	Red	White	Black
Hazard Signs		Forklifts in vicinity		Click here for answer
	Black	Yellow	Black
Danger Signs		Danger as stated on the sign		Click here for answer
	Black	White	Black	Standard “DANGER” symbol
Emergency Signs		Emergency eye wash		Click here for answer
	White	Green	White
Fire Signs		Fire extinguisher location		Click here for answer
	Black	Red	White
Dangerous Goods		Flammable Gas Class is 2		Click here for answer
	Black	Various	Black

All these signs follow an Australian Standard.  It is important that standard signs are used. This allows a common understanding of the message being conveyed.

Sign Placement

Signs should be:

• placed near a person’s line of sight
• in a clear space where they are unlikely to be covered
• in a position that gives adequate warning of the hazard. 

Signs may be grouped where they have a common purpose and do not confuse the reader.

Scenario:

Four signs placed together 3 metres from the ground, behind a tree, in the dark, warning of speed limit, biological hazards and requiring respirators to be worn.

Read the scenario above and then indicate by checking true or false beside the statements below:	True	False
The signs are placed too high
The grouping of these warning signs makes it easier to avoid the hazards
Warning signs need to be well lit and clear of impediments
These signs provide effective warning of hazards

Answers