Australian Standard AS 1319-1994 sets forth design and use standards for safety signs used in the occupational environment. Safety signs are classified by function into groups. Use these guidelines to determine which sign classification best suits your applications.

Regulatory Signs contain instructions with which failure to comply constitutes an offence under law, standing orders, company policy, etc. Mandatory and Prohibition Signs are the most commonly used regulatory signs.
 

Mandatory Signs are regulatory signs which indicate that an instruction must be carried out (the word "must" is usually implied if it doesn't appear on the sign). When symbols are used they are white on a blue disc. Text-only mandatory signs are black on white in a portrait format.
 

Prohibition Signs are regulatory signs which indicate that an action or activity is not permitted. The symbolic shape used on prohibition signs is the red annulus and slash over a black symbol. It is allowable for prohibition signs to contain only the red annulus and text with no symbol.
 

Hazard Signs warn of hazards or hazardous conditions. Warning and Danger signs warn of hazards according to the severity of the threat:
 

Warning Signs are hazard signs which warn of a hazard or hazardous condition that is not likely to be life-threatening. The symbolic shape used on warning hazard signs is a black triangle with yellow interior and black symbol. While AS 1319 does not require that the word "Warning" be printed on the sign, these signs are offered due to popular demand, when added impact of a single word is desired.
 

Danger Signs are hazard signs which warn of a hazard or hazardous condition that is likely to be life-threatening. The red, black and white danger header can appear on signs in a portrait,  landscape or horizontal format. AS 1319 recommends that symbols not be used on danger signs.
 

Fire Signs advise the location of fire alarms and fire fighting equipment. Fire signs contain a white symbol and / or text on a red background.

Emergency Information Signs indicate the location of, or directions to emergency related facilities (exits, first aid, safety equipment, etc.). These signs feature a white symbol and / or text on a green background.

General Information Signs communicate information of a general nature in order to avoid misunderstanding or confusion. These signs often refer to Housekeeping, Company practices and Logistics. These headers are not referenced in AS 1319, but are available due to popular demand.