Workplace Safety Signs Checklist (Room by Room)

Every workplace is different, but most need the same core set of signs: fire equipment, exits, first aid, hazards and PPE. Use this checklist to walk through your workplace room by room and spot what's missing, faded or out of date.

This checklist is general information. Your WHS regulator, safety adviser, building certifier and your own risk assessment set what your workplace actually needs.

1. Fire equipment signs

Location signs above every fire extinguisher, hose reel and fire blanket.
Signs on fire hydrants, sprinkler valves and the fire indicator panel, where your building has them.

See our fire equipment signage guide and fire equipment signs.

2. Exits, fire doors and evacuation

Exit signs over exit doors and along the path to them. See illuminated vs printed exit signs.
Fire door signs on fire and smoke doors. See our fire door signs guide.
An emergency assembly point sign outside, plus evacuation diagrams where required.

3. First aid

First aid signs at every kit.
First aid officer signs with current names and numbers.
AED signs if you have a defibrillator, and eyewash or emergency shower signs where chemicals are used.

See our first aid and AED signs guide.

4. Hazard signs

Walk the workplace and look for the hazards on your risk register. Common ones:

Electrical: switchboards and switch rooms. See our switchboard room guide.
Chemicals and dangerous goods: stores, cabinets and decanting areas. See our Hazchem and GHS guide.
Machinery: guards, pinch points, noise areas.
Slips and trips: wet floors, steps, uneven surfaces.
Batteries: charging stations and battery storage. See our lithium battery signage guide.

Use red danger signs for life-threatening hazards and yellow warning signs for the rest. Our AS 1319 guide explains the colours and shapes.

5. PPE signs

Blue mandatory PPE signs at the entry to each area where PPE is needed: hearing protection near noisy machines, eye protection in workshops, safety boots and hi-vis in warehouses.

6. Vehicles and forklifts

Forklift operating areas, pedestrian walkways, loading docks and speed limits. See our forklift and warehouse traffic signs guide.

7. Restricted areas

"Authorised personnel only" signs on plant rooms, roof access, server rooms and stores. See our prohibition signs.

8. General workplace notices

No smoking and no vaping signs at entries. See our no smoking signs guide.
CCTV notices if you use cameras. See our CCTV signs guide.
Visitor sign-in signs at reception.

How often should you check your signs?

Every year: walk the whole workplace with this checklist.
When things change: new machinery, a new layout, a new chemical or a renovation.
When staff change: update first aid officer and warden signs.
When signs are damaged: a faded or broken sign can be worse than none, because it tells people the rules don't matter.

Quick shopping list: core workplace safety signs

Fire: Fire extinguisher location, Fire hose reel, Fire blanket, Fire equipment, do not obstruct
Exits and evacuation: Emergency exit, keep clear, Emergency assembly point with your site name
First aid: First aid, First aid officer with name and phone, Emergency shower and eyewash
PPE: Safety glasses must be worn, Hearing protection must be worn, Safety helmets must be worn
Hazards and vehicles: Caution, forklifts in use, Danger, high voltage, Caution, wet floor
Restricted areas and reporting: Restricted area, staff only beyond this point, No smoking, Report all injuries and hazards to your supervisor

Need a full set in one go? See our ready-made sign packs, which cost 15% less than buying the same signs separately.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a quick way to cover the basics?

Yes. Our Workplace Fire & First Aid Sign Pack includes eight of the most common signs at 15% less than buying them separately. See all our ready-made sign packs.