Mines and quarries mix heavy vehicles, light vehicles, blasting, dust, deep water and unstable edges, often across a big site that changes week to week. Clear, durable signs are a key part of keeping people out of danger. This guide covers the signs mine and quarry operators, contractors and civil sites use most.
Mines and quarries are covered by state mining WHS laws, which add to general WHS rules. Your site's principal hazard management plans, traffic management plan and regulator set what's needed. This guide is general information.
1. Site entry and communication
- Site UHF channel sign with your channel number: so every driver is on the right channel before they enter.
- Beacon must be used on this site
- Visitor sign-in and PPE signs. See our PPE signs guide.
2. Heavy and light vehicle interaction
- Light vehicles give way to heavy vehicles
- Watch for heavy vehicles
- Speed limit signs for haul and access roads. See our private property speed limit guide.
3. Blasting
4. Dust and silica
Cutting, crushing and blasting rock and concrete can release respirable crystalline silica, a serious lung hazard. Signs remind everyone where respiratory protection is needed:
- Warning: respirable crystalline silica dust hazard
- Danger: silica dust, respiratory protection required
- QLD abrasive blasting exclusion zone and Danger: sand blasting in progress
5. Edges, water and old workings
- Warning: unstable cliff edge, keep back and Warning: fall hazard, keep back from edge
- Edge protection: do not remove
- Danger: quarry workings, deep water, no swimming, keep out: critical in summer, when people look for places to swim.
- Warning: quarry area, keep out for boundary fences.
6. Emergencies
Mark muster points with Muster point signs, and keep first aid and emergency equipment easy to find. See our evacuation and assembly point guide.
Size and material tips
Mine sites are hard on signs: sun, dust, vibration and the odd bump from a vehicle. Use aluminium, and reflective signs for anything drivers need to see at night or in dust. Go large: 600mm x 900mm for road signs and site entries.
Haul roads and ramps: mark steep sections with Danger, decline ahead, Steep decline ahead and Steep climb signs, and where trucks cross public or site roads use Warning, trucks crossing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add our site name or UHF channel?
Yes. The UHF sign takes your channel, and our custom signs let you add site names, contacts and your own wording.
Do you offer bulk pricing?
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 2โ3 business days.
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