PPE signs are the blue circles you see at the entry to workshops, sites and plant rooms: hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, boots, hi-vis. They tell people what to put on before they walk into the hazard. This guide explains how mandatory PPE signs work, which ones different workplaces use, and where to put them.
What a mandatory sign looks like
Under the AS 1319 system, a mandatory sign is a white symbol on a solid blue circle, often with a short message underneath such as "Safety glasses must be worn". Blue means "you must do this". See our AS 1319 guide for the other sign types.
The most common PPE signs
Head, eyes and face
- Head and eye protection must be worn on this site
- Safety glasses must be worn
- Face shield must be worn and Welding helmet must be worn for grinding and welding bays.
Hearing
- Hearing protection must be worn and Ear plugs must be worn
- Warning: loud noise, ear protection must be worn in this area
- Hearing and eye protection must be worn: one sign for both.
Hands, feet and body
- Gloves must be worn
- Safety boots must be worn on this site and Enclosed shoes must be worn past this point
- High visibility clothing must be worn
- Life-saving vest must be worn for wharves, dams and boat ramps.
Breathing
- Respiratory protection must be worn and Face mask must be worn: for dust, spray painting and silica work. See our asbestos signs guide.
Food and clean areas
General
PPE signs by workplace
- Construction sites: hard hat, boots, hi-vis and eye protection at every gate. See our 10 must-have construction site signs.
- Warehouses: hi-vis and safety boots, plus hearing protection near loud plant. See our forklift and warehouse signs guide.
- Workshops: eye, face and hearing protection at machines, and welding helmets in welding bays. Our Workshop & Mechanic Safety Sign Pack covers the basics.
- Food production: hair nets, gloves and shoe covers at the entry to production areas.
Where to put PPE signs
- At the boundary of the area where the PPE is needed, so people see it before they cross.
- At eye level on doors, and higher on fences and gates.
- At the machine for equipment-specific PPE.
- Next to the PPE station if you supply glasses, plugs or vests at the door.
Signs back up your PPE rules, training and supervision. They don't replace them. Your risk assessment and WHS regulator guidance decide what PPE is needed where.
Also popular: Hard hats, safety glasses, hi-vis, long pants and safety shoes must be worn · Seat belts must be worn · Do not wear gloves (rotating machinery)
Also in our range: Motorcycle Helmets Must Not Be Worn Within These Premises · No Shoes · Please Take Off Your Shoes · Footbath Must Be Used to Disinfect Footwear · Shoes Must Be Worn Beyond This Point · Shoes Off Please · Hearing Protectors Must Be Worn When Operating This Equipment, Tool/Plant Label · QLD Concrete Pumping Exclusion Zone, High Visibility Vests & PPE Must Be Worn
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine several PPE symbols on one sign?
Yes, and many sites do at the main entry. Keep it to the few items that apply everywhere, and use single signs at specific machines.
What size should a PPE sign be?
225mm x 300mm for doors and machines, 300mm x 450mm for walls, and 450mm x 600mm or bigger for site fences and gates.
Can I get 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 2–3 business days.
Related: Machine safety signs
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