Safety signs play a crucial role in ensuring a safe work environment, and compliance with the AS/NZ 1319—1994 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment standard is essential for effectively conveying safety messages. This is especially important across large-scale infrastructure projects in the power, gas and renewables space for keeping not only your teams, but the public safe.

While the standard applies to all types of workplaces, there are some key differences between indoor and outdoor safety sign installation, and it’s important to understand how to comply with the standard in each case.

For indoor safety sign installation:

• Lighting: Indoor signs must be visible in all lighting conditions, including dimly lit areas and areas with glare. The standard recommends using high-contrast colors, such as black text on a white background, to ensure that the signs can be easily read in any lighting condition. 
• Durability: Indoor signs are less likely to be exposed to the elements, so they may not need to be as durable as outdoor signs. However, they may still need to be made of a durable material that can withstand frequent handling, such as in the case of push-pull signs on doors
• Size and placement: Indoor signs must be large enough to be easily read from a reasonable distance, taking into account the intended viewing distance. The standard also recommends placing signs in locations where they can be easily seen, such as near the hazard or on the way to an emergency exit.

For outdoor safety sign installation:

• Weather resistance: Outdoor signs must be able to withstand exposure to the elements, including rain, snow, sun, and wind. The standard recommends using materials that are resistant to fading and damage, such as UV-stabilized plastic or aluminum. Identimark is home to the world’s longest lasting sign that is tested to last in Australia and NZ’s harsh climates for up to 40 years. You can read more about our U3 product here.
• Visibility: Outdoor signs must be highly visible, especially during low light conditions or bad weather. The standard recommends using high-contrast colors, such as white on a red background, to ensure that the signs can be easily seen in any lighting condition.
• Size and placement: Outdoor signs must also be large enough to be easily read from a reasonable distance, taking into account the intended viewing distance. Additionally, they should be placed in locations that are easily accessible and visible from the main access points to the area.

The AS/NZ 1319—1994 standard provides guidance for the design, layout, and placement of safety signs in the workplace, both indoor and outdoor. While the standard applies to all types of workplaces, there are some key differences between indoor and outdoor safety sign installation.

You should be aware of these differences and comply with the standard in each case to ensure that safety messages are conveyed effectively and the workplace is safe for everyone.