Sep
Safety Signs
27 Hazard Signs and Symbols
Hazard signs and symbols play a crucial role in keeping us safe at work, home, and in public spaces. These visual warnings alert us to potential dangers and help prevent accidents. Understanding what these signs mean is essential for everyone. Let’s explore some common hazard signs and symbols you might encounter in Australia and what they’re telling you.
General warning sign
The general warning sign is a yellow triangle with a black border and a black exclamation mark inside. You’ll often spot this sign in areas where there’s a potential risk that doesn’t fit into a more specific category. It’s a heads-up to be extra careful and stay alert.
Danger sign
A red oval or rectangle with the word “DANGER” in white letters means there’s a serious threat nearby. This sign warns of hazards that could cause death or severe injury. Don’t ignore these signs – they’re not mucking about!
Caution sign
Similar to the danger sign, but usually yellow with black text, the caution sign alerts you to less severe risks. These hazards could still hurt you, but they’re not likely to be life-threatening. Still, it’s best to take care when you see one.
Slippery surface
This sign shows a person slipping. You’ll often see it on wet floors or in areas prone to becoming slippery. Take it slow and watch your step when you spot this symbol.
Trip hazard
A stick figure tripping over an obstacle warns you about uneven surfaces or objects that might cause you to stumble. Keep your eyes peeled for anything that could trip you up.
Falling objects
This sign depicts an object falling on a person’s head. It’s common in construction zones or areas where items might drop from above. Wearing a hard hat is often required in these spots.
High voltage
A lightning bolt inside a yellow triangle means there’s a risk of electric shock. Don’t touch anything electrical in areas with this sign unless you’re a qualified sparky.
Flammable materials
A flame symbol warns you about materials that catch fire easily. You’ll see this sign near petrol pumps, gas cylinders, and other spots with flammable substances. No smoking or open flames allowed!
Toxic materials
A skull and crossbones symbol means deadly poisons or toxic chemicals are present. This sign is serious business – stay well away unless you’re trained to handle these materials.
Corrosive substances
This sign shows a hand and a surface being eaten away by drops of liquid. It warns of chemicals that can burn your skin or damage other materials on contact. Handle with care and use proper protection.
Radiation hazard
A trefoil symbol (three black wedges on a yellow background) means there’s a risk of radiation exposure. You might see this sign in hospitals, industrial sites, or research facilities. Don’t enter these areas without proper training and equipment.
Biohazard
The biohazard symbol looks like a flower with three petals. It warns of biological materials that could be harmful to humans. You’ll spot this sign in labs, hospitals, and waste disposal areas.
Laser hazard
A starburst symbol means there’s a risk of laser radiation. This sign is common in research labs, manufacturing plants, and some medical facilities. Protect your eyes and follow all safety rules in these areas.
Hand crush hazard
This symbol shows a hand being squeezed between two objects. It warns of machinery or equipment that could crush or pinch your fingers or hands. Keep your mitts clear!
Forklift operating area
A symbol showing a forklift means you’re in an area where these vehicles are working. Stay alert, give them plenty of room, and follow any marked pedestrian paths.
Hearing protection required
An image of earmuffs tells you that the noise levels in an area are dangerously loud. Pop on some ear protection to avoid damaging your hearing.
Eye protection required
A symbol showing safety glasses means you need to protect your eyes from flying debris, chemicals, or other hazards. Don’t risk your eyesight – wear the right gear.
Respiratory protection required
If you see a symbol of a person wearing a mask, it means the air isn’t safe to breathe without protection. Use the proper respirator for the job.
Safety boots required
A boot symbol tells you to wear sturdy, protective footwear. This keeps your toes safe from falling objects and other foot hazards.
Hard hat area
A hard hat symbol means you need to protect your noggin from falling objects or low-hanging hazards. Pop on a hard hat before entering these areas.
No smoking
A cigarette with a red line through it means exactly what you think – no durries allowed! This sign is often found near flammable materials or in enclosed spaces.
No food or drink
A symbol showing a cup or sandwich with a line through it means you shouldn’t eat or drink in that area. This is common in labs or near hazardous materials.
Emergency exit
A running figure heading towards a door shows you the quickest way out in case of an emergency. Make sure you know where these exits are in any building you’re in.
Fire extinguisher
A symbol of a fire extinguisher tells you where to find one if you need it. It’s a good idea to learn how to use these properly, just in case.
First aid
A white cross on a green background points you towards first aid supplies or a first aid station. Knowing where to find these can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
Emergency shower
A symbol showing a person under falling water indicates an emergency shower. These are used to rinse off hazardous chemicals quickly if they splash on you.
Eyewash station
Similar to the emergency shower, this symbol shows a person rinsing their eyes. Use these stations to flush your eyes if they’re exposed to chemicals or other irritants.
Why hazard signs matter
Understanding these signs and symbols is crucial for several reasons:
- Personal safety: Knowing what hazards are present helps you take the right precautions to stay safe.
- Legal requirements: Many workplaces are legally required to display proper hazard signs.
- Emergency preparedness: Recognising emergency signs can help you react quickly in a crisis.
- Protecting others: Understanding hazard signs allows you to warn others of potential dangers.
- Preventing accidents: When everyone understands and follows safety warnings, the risk of accidents drops significantly.
Tips for dealing with hazard signs
Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when you encounter hazard signs:
- Always take them seriously. Don’t ignore warnings, even if you’re in a hurry.
- If you’re not sure what a sign means, ask someone who knows.
- Follow any instructions given on the signs.
- Wear the right protective gear when required.
- Report any missing or damaged safety signs to the proper authorities.
- Don’t remove or tamper with hazard signs – they’re there for a reason!
- Teach others about the meanings of common hazard signs.
Wrapping up
Hazard signs and symbols are a universal language of safety. By learning to recognise and understand them, you’re taking an important step in protecting yourself and others from harm. Whether you’re at work, out and about, or tackling a DIY project at home, keep an eye out for these important visual warnings. Stay safe, use your common sense, and always respect the message these signs are trying to convey. After all, they’re not there for decoration – they’re there to keep you in one piece!
