Some jobs are too dangerous to start without a permit: entering a tank or pit, welding near flammable materials, or opening a high-voltage switchroom. A permit system controls who does the work and how. Signs are the front line of that system, because they stop someone walking in before the paperwork is done.
This guide is general information. Your WHS regulator, safety adviser and your own permit procedures set what your site needs.
1. Confined spaces
Tanks, pits, silos, sewers, vats and some ceiling and underfloor spaces can have poor air, fumes or engulfment risks. Under the model WHS Regulations, a business must put up signs to stop people who aren't authorised from entering a confined space. Common choices:
- Danger: confined space
- Danger: confined space, entry permit required (with your space name or number): useful when a site has several confined spaces on its register.
- No entry without confined space permit
Put the sign at every entry point, such as each hatch, manhole and access door, where it can be seen before anyone opens it.
2. Hot work
Welding, grinding and cutting near flammable materials can start fires hours after the job finishes. Many sites run a hot work permit for any work outside a set workshop area.
- Danger: hot work area, permit required
- No hot work without a permit: for plant rooms, roofs and warehouses.
3. High voltage and electrical access
See our switchboard room signs guide for the other signs these rooms usually need.
4. Structures and restricted areas
A No access to structure without a permit sign suits towers, roofs, scaffolds and telecommunications structures. For general restricted areas, see our prohibition signs.
5. Isolation points
Permit work often starts with isolating energy. Clear labels on isolation valves help workers find the right one quickly:
- Water isolation valve signs in silver and red
- Gas isolation valve signs in silver and red. See our gas cylinder storage signs guide.
Tips for permit signs
- Use the red DANGER format for confined spaces and high voltage. Our AS 1319 guide explains why.
- Match the sign to your register. If your confined spaces are numbered, put the number on the sign.
- Choose durable materials. Aluminium or ACP outdoors and in plant areas, and reflective signs where lighting is poor.
- Check signs during audits. A missing permit sign is an easy fix that's often found too late.
More hot work signs: Danger, hot work in progress and No sparks, flames or hot work activity in this area.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add our confined space number or site name?
Yes. Our confined space entry sign takes a custom name or number, and our custom danger signs let you write your own wording.
Do you offer bulk pricing for large sites?
Yes. Buy 25 or more of the same sign to save an extra 5%, 50+ to save 10%, or 150+ to save 15%, applied automatically. Every sign is made to order and dispatched in 2–3 business days.
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