Warning Signs Australia — AS 1319 Compliant Hazard Warning Signs for Australian Workplaces

National Safety Signs supplies AS/NZS 1319-compliant warning signs for construction sites, mine sites, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and industrial workplaces across Australia. Every warning sign in this range uses the correct yellow symbols and header format required by Australian Standard 1319, so your site clearly identifies hazards before workers or visitors reach them.

As a result, you reduce the risk of workplace incidents and meet your WHS duty of care. Choose from forklift warning signs, slippery surface signs, overhead hazard signs, electrical warning signs, and hundreds more. Order online today with fast nationwide delivery.

What are Warning Signs

Warning signs alert workers and visitors to hazards that present a significant risk — but that are not immediately life-threatening. In short, they communicate ‘be careful here’ rather than ‘immediate danger’ (which is the role of danger signs).

Under AS/NZS 1319-1994, warning signs must use a yellow background with a black triangle and black symbol or text identifying the hazard. This yellow-and-black colour scheme is universally recognised in Australian workplaces as a signal to exercise caution.

Common warning signs include: Forklift Operating, Slippery Surface, Overhead Hazard, Watch Your Step, Electrical Hazard, Pedestrians Keep Clear, Low Clearance, Hot Surface, 3 Points of Contact and many more.

Warning signs differ from danger signs (red/black/white — immediate life threat) and from caution signs (yellow — used in the US system). In Australia, AS/NZS 1319 uses ‘warning’ for the yellow triangle category. Every warning sign in the NSS range is Australian-made.

Industries we Supply

Construction & Civil Works — Site managers rely on NSS for forklift, overhead hazard, and wet surface warning signs on every Australian construction site. WHS regulations require these signs before work begins.

Mining & Resources — Mine sites need extensive warning sign coverage across work areas, heavy equipment zones, and processing facilities. Our heavy-duty aluminium warning signs suit Tier 1 and Tier 2 operators working in harsh outdoor environments.

Manufacturing & Warehousing — Forklift traffic, moving machinery, and chemical handling areas each need specific warning signs. We supply the full range in bulk quantities for warehouse and factory operators.

Facilities Management — Building managers place slippery surface, watch your step, and low clearance warning signs throughout commercial buildings, car parks, and public areas.

Frequestly Asked Questions

What are warning signs and when are they required in Australian workplaces?

Warning signs alert workers and visitors to hazards that carry a significant injury risk if workers take no precautions. Under AS/NZS 1319-1994, these signs use a yellow background with a black triangle and black symbol. They apply wherever a specific hazard exists — forklift traffic areas, slippery surfaces, overhead hazards, and electrical installations. WHS legislation requires every PCBU to identify workplace hazards and communicate them clearly. National Safety Signs supplies a comprehensive range of warning signs for workplaces across Australia.

What colour are warning signs in Australia?

Under AS/NZS 1319-1994, warning signs use a yellow background with a black triangle and black symbol or text. This yellow and black scheme applies consistently across all Australian workplaces. It separates warning signs from danger signs (red/black/white), mandatory signs (blue/white), prohibition signs (red/white circle), and emergency signs (green/white). Workers and visitors recognise yellow instantly as a caution signal, regardless of language or prior training.

What is the difference between a warning sign and a danger sign in Australia?

Warning signs and danger signs cover different hazard severity levels under AS/NZS 1319. Warning signs — yellow triangle with black symbol — apply to significant hazards that alert behaviour can manage. Danger signs — red oval with white DANGER text on a black panel — apply to immediate, life-threatening hazards where inaction will likely cause death or serious injury. For example: “Warning: Forklift Operating” versus “Danger: High Voltage.” Using the wrong sign type is a compliance failure under WHS regulations.

What warning signs are required on a construction site?

Australian construction sites typically need warning signs for: Forklift Operating, Pedestrians Keep Clear, Overhead Hazard, Slippery Surface, Watch Your Step, Low Clearance, Electrical Hazard, and Temporary Works. The exact signs depend on the specific hazards present on each site. National Safety Signs can advise on a compliant sign package for your project — contact our team for a quote.

Can I order custom warning signs with specific hazard text?

Yes. National Safety Signs prints custom warning signs with your specific hazard description while maintaining full AS/NZS 1319 compliance in colour, format, and layout. Custom signs suit situations where standard text does not fit your site — for example, “Warning: Automatic Gate — Keep Clear” or “Warning: Reversing Vehicles — No Pedestrians.” Submit requests via our online Design a Sign tool or contact our sales team for a quote.

What is the difference between warning signs and caution signs in Australia?

In Australia, the correct term under AS/NZS 1319 is “warning signs” — not “caution signs.” Caution is terminology from the US ANSI/OSHA system, which uses yellow but in a different format. The AS/NZS 1319 yellow triangle covers what both systems call caution or warning. Applying “caution” labelling in an Australian workplace may not satisfy AS/NZS 1319 compliance. National Safety Signs supplies warning signs that specifically meet AS/NZS 1319-1994 for Australian workplaces.

How quickly will warning signs be delivered?

National Safety Signs dispatches standard stock warning signs same day or next business day from our Brisbane facility, Monday to Friday. Express delivery covers all Australian capital cities and most regional areas. Estimated timeframes: Brisbane 1 business day; Sydney and Melbourne 2–3 business days; Perth, Adelaide, and Darwin 3–5 business days. For urgent requirements, call (07) 5665 8996 before ordering to confirm stock and dispatch priority.