A busy commercial kitchen has hot surfaces, sharp knives, gas, chemicals and a team moving fast. Good signs keep food safe, remind staff of the rules in the middle of a rush, and help when the environmental health officer walks in. This guide covers the signs cafes, restaurants, pubs, bakeries, food trucks and staff kitchens use most.
Food safety rules are set by the Food Standards Code and enforced by state agencies and councils. This guide is general information. Your council's environmental health officer can tell you what your premises needs.
1. Handwashing and hygiene
- Wash hands before handling food: above every handwash basin.
- Wash hands after using the toilet, eating or smoking: in staff toilets and break rooms.
- No bare hand contact with ready-to-eat food
- Keep raw and cooked food separate: at prep benches and fridges.
- Hair net must be worn in this area for bakeries and food production.
2. Allergens
- Allergen awareness: please tell staff about any allergies: at the counter or on menus.
- Allergy aware zone: for schools, childcare and office kitchens.
3. Kitchen safety
- Caution: hot surface near grills, fryers and ovens.
- Caution: wet floor
- Cold room: keep door closed
- Gas cylinders: keep upright and secured. See our gas cylinder storage guide.
- Fire extinguisher sign above extinguishers and fire blankets. See our fire equipment signage guide.
4. Staff-only areas
- Food preparation area, staff only
- Staff only signs in silver, gold or blue to suit the fit-out.
- Staff smoking area away from doors and food areas. See our no smoking signs guide.
5. Cleaning and waste
- This sink is for mop cleaning only
- Food and organic waste only and Recycling only bin signs.
- Grease arrestor signs in several colourways, such as silver or yellow, so plumbers and pump-out contractors can find it.
6. Office and shared staff kitchens
- Please cover your food in the microwave
- Fridge is cleaned out every Friday
- Please wash your hands before eating
Heat and burns: Danger, hot surface, do not touch, Danger, hot, Caution, very hot water and Burns kit located here. Front of house, try Hot food or Pizza fresh from the oven.
Material tips for kitchens
Kitchens are hot, wet and greasy. Self-adhesive vinyl works well on tiles and stainless steel and wipes clean. ACP suits walls and doors. Keep signs away from direct heat above cooktops.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add my business name or logo?
Yes. Our add your logo signs and custom signs let you match your branding.
How fast will they arrive?
Every sign is made to order and dispatched in 2–3 business days. Every sign is 30% off until 31 December, and shipping is free on orders over $500.
Shop kitchen signs or signs for restaurants and cafes
Related: Café and restaurant front-of-house signs
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