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4. Identify, report and record hazards

4.5. Common hazard signs and safety symbols

Sign, Danger, Warning, Caution, Alert, Symbol, Stop
Image by Storme22k from Pixabay, accessed 09/09/2021

Signage, posters and labels are strategies used in the workplace to remind and alert people to dangers and help prevent accidents/incidents from occurring. 


Australia uses standardised colour schemes for safety signage in industries, to make safety symbols universal and more easily recognised across industries.

For example, you may have seen red signage for fire safety, blue and white signs indicating when personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn, yellow signs for warnings etc.

      Red warning sign, flammable liquid               blue safety sign - wear eye protection           yellow safety sign, slippery when wet

            Images by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay 


Symbols and visuals are important for employees who may speak a language other than English or who are more visual learners. Hazards vary in different workplaces and industries, but there are some common hazard symbols used across industries.

Danger keep out signgeneral warning sign of hazards and to keep out of the area.

Flammable materials safety signDanger, flammable materials.

Danger, poison safety sign Skull and crossbones indicates poisons and concentrated acids or toxic substances.


To see a range of safety signs, visit the following website.